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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20020720 Ver 1_Complete File_20020507 n M STATF n Quw STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MICHAEL F. EASLEY P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 LYNDO TIPPETT GOvi;RNOR SECRETARY August 18, 2004 an '4909! AUG 20 2004 " North Carolina Division of Water Quality DVVQ 401 /Wetlands Unit L480RATORY &ECTIOI, 1621 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1621 Reference: DWQ Project No.020720 NCDOT/SR 2903 Randolph County Dear Sir or Madam: WETLANDS/ 401 GROUP AUG 2 3 2004 WATER QUALITY SECTION Attached is certification of completion for the work performed under the above referenced permit. The certification is signed by our field agent. If additional information is required please advise. Sincerely, Timothy Vnson P.E. Division Engineer Attachment cc: J. L. Picklesimer, PE, PLS Reuben Blakley Art King File DIVISION 8, P. O. BOX 1067, ABERDEEN, NC 28315 Telephone: (910)944-2344 Fax: (910) 944-5623 ?QF W A r?Rp ?O G ? r O ? Michael F. Easley Governor William G. Ross, Jr., Secretary Department of Environment and Natural Resources Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D. Acting Director Division of Water Quality DWQ Project No.: 020'-1 Zo_ County: 4?14V?,Ae 110 L. Applicant: (IC DoT Project Name: 512 Z903 Date of Issuance of 401 Water Quality Certification: __ V11,a?TIQ -Zom-Z Certificate of Completion Upon completion of all work approved within the 401 Water Quality Certification or applicable Buffer Rules, and any subsequent modifications, the applicant is required to return this certificate to the 401/Wetlands Unit, North Carolina Division of Water Quality, 1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC, 27699-1650. This form may be returned to DWQ by the applicant, the applicant's authorized agent, or the project engineer. It is not necessary to send certificates from all of these. Applicant's Certification I, ____, hereby state that, to the best of my abilities, due care and diligence was used in the observation of the construction such that the construction was observed to be built within substantial compliance and intent of the 401 Water Quality Certification and Buffer Rules, the approved plans and specifications, and other supporting materials. Signature: Date:--,--------- Agent's Certification / 1, KE?AtNU.?/ _., hereby state that, to the best of my abilities, due care and diligence was used in the observation of the construction such that the construction was observed to be built within substantial compliance and intent of the 401 Water Quality Certification and Buffer Rules, the approved pla ands ecifications, and other supportin to ials. Signature: Date:__ to oq If this project was designed by a Certified Professional 1, , as a duly registered Professional (i.e., Engineer, Landscape Architect, Surveyor, etc.) in the State of North Carolina, having been authorized to observe (periodically, weekly, full time) the construction of the project, for the Permitee hereby state that, to the best of my abilities, due care and diligence was used in the observation of the construction such that the construction was observed to be built within substantial compliance and intent of the 401 Water Quality Certification and Buffer Rules, the approved plans and specifications, and other supporting materials. Signature -Registration No. ___ Date NCDENR Division of Water Quality 1650 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 Wetlands/401 Unit: (919) 733-1786 Fax: (919) 733-6893 OF ?? n r ?R William G. Ross Jr., Secretary ?Ot ?G North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Vj 7 Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D. y Acting Director O Division of Water Quality May 14, 2002 Randolph County DWQ Project No. 020701 SR 2662B Site 2 (Willie Wright Road) APPROVAL of 401 Water Quality Certification with Additional Conditions Mr. W.F. Rosser, P.E., Division Engineer NCDOT Division 8 P.O. Box 1067 Aberdeen, NC 28315 Dear Mr. Rosser: You have our approval, in accordance with the attached conditions and those listed below, to impact 64 linear feet of an unnamed tributary to Back Branch in order to improve SR 2662 (Willie Wright Road) in Randolph County. The project must be constructed in accordance with your application dated April 29, 2002 (received May 7, 2002). After reviewing your application, we have decided that this fill is covered by General Water Quality Certification No. 3375, corresponding to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit Number 14. In addition, you must acquire any other federal, state or local permits before you proceed with your project including (but not limited to) Sediment and Erosion Control, Non-Discharge and Water Supply Watershed regulations. This approval will expire with the accompanying 404 permit unless otherwise specified in the Water Quality Certification. This approval is valid solely for the purpose and design described in your application (unless modified below). Should your project change, you must notify the DWQ in writing and submit a new application. If the property is sold, the new owner must be given a copy of this Certification and approval letter, and is thereby responsible for complying with all the conditions. If total wetland fills for this project (now or in the future) exceed one acre, or of total impacts to streams (now or in the future) exceed 150 linear feet, compensatory mitigation may be required as described in 15A NCAC 2H .0506 (h) (6) and (7). For this approval to be valid, you must follow the conditions listed in the attached certification and any additional conditions listed below. 1. Riparian vegetation must be reestablished within the construction limits of the project by the end of the growing season following completion of construction. 2. NCDOT is encouraged to use existing on-site vegetation and materials for stream bank stabilization and to minimize the use of rip rap. 3. The dimension, pattern, and profile of the stream and floodplain above and below the structure shall not be modified by widening the stream channel or reducing the depth of the stream. 4. All work shall be performed during low flow conditions. 5. Heavy equipment must be operated from the banks rather than in the stream channel in order to minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other pollutants into the stream. 6. All mechanized equipment operated near surface waters must be regularly inspected and maintained to prevent contamination of stream waters from fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials. 7. Upon completion of the project, the NCDOT shall complete and return the enclosed "Certificate of Completion" form to notif" NCDWO when all work included in the &401 Certification has North Carolina Division of Water Quality, 401 Wetlands Certification Unit, 1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 (Mailing Address) 2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604-2260 (Location) 919-733-1786 (phone), 919-733-6893 (fax), http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands/ been completed. The responsible party shall complete the attached form and return it to the 401/Wetlands Unit of the NC Division of Water Quality upon completion of the project. If you do not accept any of the conditions of this certification, you may ask for an adjudicatory hearing. You must act within 60 days of the date that you receive this letter. To ask for a hearing, send a written petition which conforms to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes to the Office of Administrative Hearings, 6714 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-6714. This certification and its conditions are final and binding unless you ask for a hearing. This letter completes the review of the Division of Water Quality under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. If you have any questions, please telephone Ms. Cynthia Van Der Wiele at 919.733.5715 or Ms. Jennifer Frye of the Winston-Salem Regional Office at 336.771.4600. Sincerely, 7 Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D. Acting Director Attachment cc: Wilmington District Corps of Engineers Richard Spencer, USACE Wilmington Field Office NCDWQ Winston-Salem Regional Office Central Files File Copy Office Use Only: USACE Action ID No. DWQ No. Form Version October 2001 020721D If any particular item is not applicable to this project, please enter "Not Applicable" or "N/A" rather than leaving the space blank. 1. Processing FILE COPI Check all of the approval(s) requested for this project: ® Section 404 Permit F] Section 10 Permit ® 401 Water Quality Certification Riparian or Watershed Buffer Rules ` 7 20?1Z ? MAY - , l? a..-.N!4`tIANDSpRpUP 2. Nationwide, Regional or General Permit Number(s) Requested: Nationwide #14 If this notification is solely a courtesy copy because written approval for the 401 Certification is not required, check here: ? 4. If payment into the North Carolina Wetlands Restoration Program (NCWRP) is proposed for mitigation of impacts (see section VIII - Mitigation), check here: II. Applicant Information Owner/Applicant Information Name: North Carolina Department of Transportation Mailing Address: W. F. Rosser, P.E., Division Engineer North Carolina Department of Transportation. Division 8 P.O. Box 1067 Aberdeen. North Carolina 28315 Telephone Number: 910-944-2344 Fax Number:_ 910-944-5623 E-mail Address:_ brosser a dot.state.nc.us 2. Agent Information (A signed and dated copy of the Agent Authorization letter must be attached if the Agent has signatory authority for the owner/applicant.) Name: R Thomas McManus, Jr.. County Maintenance Engineer Company Affiliation: NC Department of Transportation Mailing Address: 948 Southmont Drive Asheboro. NC 27203 Telephone Number: (336) 625-2078 Fax Number: 336-625-0146 E-mail Address: _tmcmanus a dot. state. nc us PAYMENT -5- III. Project Information Attach a vicinity map clearly showing the location of the property with respect to local landmarks such as towns, rivers, and roads. Also provide a detailed site plan showing property boundaries and development plans in relation to surrounding properties. Both the vicinity map and site plan must include a scale and north arrow. The specific footprints of all buildings, impervious surfaces, or other facilities must be included. If possible, the maps and plans should include the appropriate USGS Topographic Quad Map and NRCS Soil Survey with the property boundaries outlined. Plan drawings, or other maps may be included at the applicant's discretion, so long as the property is clearly defined. For administrative and distribution purposes, the USACE requires information to be submitted on sheets no larger than 11 by 17-inch format; however, DWQ may accept paperwork of any size. DWQ prefers full-size construction drawings rather than a sequential sheet version of the full-size plans. If full-size plans are reduced to a small scale such that the final version is illegible, the applicant will be informed that the project has been placed on hold until decipherable maps are provided. 1. Name of project: SR 2903 (Osborn Mill Road) S74c 2 2. T.I.P. Project Number or State Project Number (NCDOT Only): 6.572055T 3. Property Identification Number (Tax P1N: 4. Location County: Randolph Nearest Town: Asheboro Subdivision name (include phase/lot number): Directions to site (include road numbers, landmarks, etc.): Take Highway 42 south from Asheboro 10 miles, turn right on Old NC Highway 13 (SR 2845). Go 1.3 miles. turn left on Kemp Mill Road (SR 2911) 0.3 miles, turn right onto Osborn Mill Road (SR 2903) 5. Site coordinates, if available (UTM or Lat/Long): See Attached Sheet (Note - If project is linear, such as a road or utility line, attach a sheet that separately lists the coordinates for each crossing of a distinct waterbody.) 6. Describe the existing land use or condition of the site at the time of this application: Unpaved Secondary Road pipe crossing 7. Property size (acres): N/A Roadway 8. Nearest body of water (stream/river/sound/ocean/lake): Bachelor Creek 9. River Basin: Cape Fear (Note - this must be one of North Carolina's seventeen designated major river basins. The River Basin map is available at http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/admin/maps/.) -6- 10. Describe the purpose of the proposed work: Pipe replacement and upgrade in coniunction with Secondan Road Improvement Prgiect. Grade. Drain. Base. Pave and Erosion Control on SR 2903 (Osborn Mill Road) from Begin Survey (End of Pavement) to SR 2911 (Kemp Mill Road) 11. List the type of equipment to be used to construct the project: Trace Hoe. Dozer, Pan. Back hoe, Pan. Compactor. and Motor Grader 12. Describe the land use in the vicinity of this project: Private homes and farms. IV. Prior Project History If jurisdictional determinations and/or permits have been requested and/or obtained for this project (including all prior phases of the same subdivision) in the past, please explain. Include the USACE Action ID Number, DWQ Project Number, application date, and date permits and certifications were issued or withdrawn. Provide photocopies of previously issued permits, certifications or other useful information. Describe previously approved wetland, stream and buffer impacts, along with associated mitigation (where applicable). If this is a NCDOT project, list and describe permits issued for prior segments of the same T.I.P. project, along with construction schedules. V. Future Project Plans Are any future permit requests anticipated for this project? If so, describe the anticipated work, and provide justification for the exclusion of this work from the current application: N/A VI. Proposed Impacts to Waters of the United States/Waters of the State It is the applicant's (or agent's) responsibility to determine, delineate and map all impacts to wetlands, open water, and stream channels associated with the project. The applicant must also provide justification for these impacts in Section VII below. All proposed impacts, permanent and temporary, must be listed herein, and must be clearly identifiable on an accompanying site plan. All wetlands and waters, and all streams (intermittent and perennial) must be shown on a delineation map, whether or not impacts are proposed to these systems. Wetland and stream evaluation and delineation forms should be included as appropriate. Photographs may be included at the applicant's discretion. If this proposed impact is strictly for wetland or stream -7- mitigation, list and describe the impact in Section VIII below. If additional space is needed for listing or description, please attach a separate sheet. 1. Wetland Impacts Wetland Impact Site Number (indicate on map) Type of Impact* Area of Impact (acres) Located within 100-year Floodplain** (yes/no) Distance to Nearest Stream (linear feet) Type of Wetland*** None ' List each impact separately and identify temporary impacts. Impacts include, but are not limited to: mechanized clearing, grading, fill, excavation, flooding, ditching/drainage, etc. For dams, separately list impacts due to both structure and flooding. '• 100-Year floodplains are identified through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), or FEMA-approved local floodplain maps. Maps are available through the FEMA Map Service Center at 1-800-358-9616, or online at httn://www.fema,ggv. List a wetland type that best describes wetland to be impacted (e.g., freshwater/saltwater marsh, forested wetland, beaver pond, Carolina Bay, bog, etc.) List the total acreage (estimated) of existing wetlands on the property: Total area of wetland impact proposed: 2. Stream Impacts, including all intermittent and perennial streams Stream Impact Site Number (indicate on map) Type of Impact* Length of Impact (linear feet) Stream Name** Average Width of Stream Before Impact Perennial or Intermittent'? (please specify) 1 Permanent Pipe 60' UT of Bachelor Creek 2' I * List each impact separately and identify temporary impacts. Impacts include, but are not limited to: culverts and associated rip-rap, dams (separately list impacts due to both structure and flooding), relocation (include linear feet before and after, and net loss/gain), stabilization activities (cement wall, rip-rap, crib wall, gabions, etc.), excavation, ditching/straightening, etc. If stream relocation is proposed, plans and profiles showing the linear footprint for both the original and relocated streams must be included. ** Stream names can be found on USGS topographic maps. If a stream has no name, list as UT (unnamed tributary) to the nearest downstream named stream into which it flows. USGS maps are available through the USGS at 1-800-358-9616, or online at www.uses.cov. Several intemet sites also allow direct download and printing of USGS maps (e.g., www.topozone.com, www.manauest.com, etc.). Cumulative impacts (linear distance in feet) to all streams on site: 60' -8- 3. Open Water Impacts, including Lakes, Ponds, Estuaries, Sounds, Atlantic Ocean and any other Water of the U.S. Open Water Impact Site Number (indicate on map) Type of Impact* Area of Impact (acres) Name Wate) (if applicable) Type of Waterbody (lake, pond, estuary, sound, bay, ocean, etc.) List eacn impact separately and identity temporary impacts. impacts include, but are not limited to: till, excavation, dredging, flooding, drainage, bulkheads, etc. 4. Pond Creation If construction of a pond is proposed, associated wetland and stream impacts should be included above in the wetland and stream impact sections. Also, the proposed pond should be described here and illustrated on any maps included with this application. Pond to be created in (check all that apply): ? uplands F? stream E] wetlands Describe the method of construction (e.g., dam/embankment, excavation, installation of draw-down valve or spillway, etc.): N/A Proposed use or purpose of pond (e.g., livestock watering, irrigation, aesthetic, trout pond, local stormwater requirement, etc.): Size of watershed draining to pond: Expected pond surface area: VII. Impact Justification (Avoidance and Minimization) Specifically describe measures taken to avoid the proposed impacts. It may be useful to provide information related to site constraints such as topography, building ordinances, accessibility, and financial viability of the project. The applicant may attach drawings of alternative, lower-impact site layouts, and explain why these design options were not feasible. Also discuss how impacts were minimized once the desired site plan was developed. If applicable, discuss construction techniques to be followed during construction to reduce impacts. N/A VIII. Mitigation DWQ - In accordance with 15A NCAC 2H .0500, mitigation may be required by the NC Division of Water Quality for projects involving greater than or equal to one acre of impacts to -9- freshwater wetlands or greater than or equal to 150 linear feet of total impacts to perennial streams. USACE - In accordance with the Final Notice of Issuance and Modification of Nationwide Permits, published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2000, mitigation will be required when necessary to ensure that adverse effects to the aquatic environment are minimal. Factors including size and type of proposed impact and function and relative value of the impacted aquatic resource will be considered in determining acceptability of appropriate and practicable mitigation as proposed. Examples of mitigation that may be appropriate and practicable include, but are not limited to: reducing the size of the project; establishing and maintaining wetland and/or upland vegetated buffers to protect open waters such as streams; and replacing losses of aquatic resource functions and values by creating, restoring, enhancing, or preserving similar functions and values, preferable in the same watershed. If mitigation is required for this project, a copy of the mitigation plan must be attached in order for USACE or DWQ to consider the application complete for processing. Any application lacking a required mitigation plan or NCWRP concurrence shall be placed on hold as incomplete. An applicant may also choose to review the current guidelines for stream restoration in DWQ's Draft Technical Guide for Stream Work in North Carolina, available at http://h2o.enr.state.nc,us/ncwetlands/strmiaide,html. 1. Provide a brief description of the proposed mitigation plan. The description should provide as much information as possible, including, but not limited to: site location (attach directions and/or map, if offsite), affected stream and river basin, type and amount (acreage/linear feet) of mitigation proposed (restoration, enhancement, creation, or preservation), a plan view, preservation mechanism (e.g., deed restrictions, conservation easement, etc.), and a description of the current site conditions and proposed method of construction. Please attach a separate sheet if more space is needed. N/A 2. Mitigation may also be made by payment into the North Carolina Wetlands Restoration Program (NCWR.P) with the NCWRP's written agreement. Check the box indicating that you would like to pay into the NCWRP. Please note that payment into the NCWRP must be reviewed and approved before it can be used to satisfy mitigation requirements. Applicants will be notified early in the review process by the 401/Wetlands Unit if payment into the NCWRP is available as an option. For additional information regarding the application process for the NCWRP, check the NCWRP website at hhup://h2o.enr.state,nc.us/=/index.hrm. If use of the NCWRP is proposed, please check the appropriate box on page three and provide the following information: Amount of stream mitigation requested (linear feet): Amount of buffer mitigation requested (square feet): -10- IX. Amount of Riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres): Amount of Non-riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres): Amount of Coastal wetland mitigation requested (acres): Environmental Documentation (DWQ Only) Does the project involve an expenditure of public funds or the use of public (federal/state/local) land? Yes ® No If yes, does the project require preparation of an environmental document pursuant to the requirements of the National or North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA)? Note: If you are not sure whether a NEPA/SEPA document is required, call the SEPA coordinator at (919) 733-5083 to review current thresholds for environmental documentation. Yes F-1 No If yes, has the document review been finalized by the State Clearinghouse? If so, please attach a copy of the NEPA or SEPA final approval letter. Yes F? No ? X. Proposed Impacts on Riparian and Watershed Buffers (DWQ Only) It is the applicant's (or agent's) responsibility to determine, delineate and map all impacts to required state and local buffers associated with the project. The applicant must also provide justification for these impacts in Section VII above. All proposed impacts must be listed herein, and must be clearly identifiable on the accompanying site plan. All buffers must be shown on a map, whether or not impacts are proposed to the buffers. Correspondence from the DWQ Regional Office may be included as appropriate. Photographs may also be included at the applicant's discretion. Will the project impact protected riparian buffers identified within 15A NCAC 2B .0233 (Meuse), 15A NCAC 2B .0259 (Tar-Pamlico), 15A NCAC 213 .0250 (Randleman Rules and Water Supply Buffer Requirements), or other (please identify )? Yes F-1 No F-] If you answered "yes", provide the following information: Identify the square feet and acreage of impact to each zone of the riparian buffers. If buffer mitigation is required calculate the required amount of mitigation by applying the buffer multipliers. Zone* Impact (square feet) Multiplier Required Mitigation 1 3 2 1.5 Total Gone 1 extends out .5U teet perpendicular troth near banK of cnannel; Gone 2 extends an additional 20 feet from the edge of Zone 1. If buffer mitigation is required, please discuss what type of mitigation is proposed (i.e., Donation of Property, Conservation Easement, Riparian Buffer Restoration / Enhancement, Preservation or Payment into the Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund). Please attach all appropriate information as identified within 15A NCAC 2B .0242 or.0260. XI. Stormwater (DWQ Only) Describe impervious acreage (both existing and proposed) versus total acreage on the site. Discuss stormwater controls proposed in order to protect surface waters and wetlands downstream from the property. Neither the current impervious cover (gravel road bed) nor the new proposed impervious cover (asphalt pavement) will exceed 30% of the total site area Erosion control devices appropriate to the site will be utilized on this project which may include silt fences. check dams and storm water retaining basins XII. Sewage Disposal (DWQ Only) Clearly detail the ultimate treatment methods and disposition (non-discharge or discharge) of wastewater generated from the proposed project, or available capacity of the subject facility. XIII. Violations (DWQ Only) Is this site in violation of DWQ Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H.0500) or any Buffer Rules? Yes E] No Is this an after-the-fact permit application? Yes [] No XIV. Other Circumstances (Optional): It is the applicant's responsibility to submit the application sufficiently in advance of desired construction dates to allow processing time for these permits. However, an applicant may choose to list constraints associated with construction or sequencing that may impose limits on work schedules (e.g., draw-down schedules for lakes, dates associated with Endangered and Threatened Species, accessibility problems, or other issues outside of the applicant's control). 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EASLEY GOVERNOR Mr. Rob Ridings Division Of Water Quality 401 Wetlands Unit 1650 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 217699-1650 Dear Mr. Ridings: Subject: Randolph County - SR 2903 Site 2 - Osborn Mill Road LYNDO TIPPETT SECRETARY 020720 In an effort to obtain the permits needed for pipe replacement on SR 2903 from end of pavement to SR 2911 in Randolph County, we are providing the pre construction notification application and the supporting materials. A survey for the presence of Schweinitz's Sunflower (Helianthus Schweinitz) was conducted by myself as part of the required minimum criteria check. No Schwienitz Sunflowers were found within the road's right of way. Any detours required for this project will be done off site. To our knowledge there are No High Quality Waters or Outstanding Water Resources occurring in the project area. We anticipate that these activities will be authorized under Nationwide Permit Number 14. This letter and a copy of the application materials will be submitted to N.C. Division of Water Quality, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers for approval. If you have any questions or comments, or need additional information, please contact our office at (910) 944-2344. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Sincerely, Z?2? Art C. King Division Environmental Officer cc: W. F. Rosser, PE J. Picklesimer, PE R. T. McManus, Jr. File DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS January 15, 2002 PAYMENT RECEIVED P.O. BOX 1067, ABERDEEN, NORTH CAROLINA 28315 Pt [ONE (910) 944-2344 FAX (910) 944-5623 020720 r? 0 in rove CapyrIgM A 1999 Deiwrw yxmog 6, MB MM SMra DrAw i Ilf, 1:12,000 Detall: 14-0 Datum: WGS84 0207 Lw) I(1 \ 19" 3749.29' W 79" 42' 0? V ? Scale: 1 :12,000 Detail: 14-0 Datum: wcf '1 ilfL, STA1[ ° y? rrw G STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MICHAEL F. EASLEY DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GOVERNOR May 3, 2002 020720 Mr. Rob Riding Division of Water Quality 401 Wetlands Unit 1650 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650 Dear Mr. Ridings: Enclosed is the permit application for the following project: LYNDo TIPPETT SECRETARY MAY - 7 200> Description: SR 2903 Site 2- Randolph County Work Order #: 6.572055T TIP Number: N/A PArMENl Fee Category: $200.00 RECEIVED Please submit for automated payment. Sincerely, Art C. King Division Environmental Officer ?2-672 U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WILMINGTON DISTRICT Action ID: 200200791 TIP No: State Project No: 6.572055T County: Randolph GENERAL PERMIT (REGIONAL AND NATIONWIDE) VERIFICATION Applicant: North Carolina Department of Transportation (; ( a Address: W.F. Rosser, P.E., Division Engineer North Carolina Department of Transportation .1JN MV? Division 8 P.O. Box 1067 Aberdeen, North Carolina 28315 tint 111I`klns 6rtouI'? 1V •' 4.11 4 _.. •.. • Telephone Number: (910) 944-2344 Size and Location of project (waterway, road name/number, town, etc.): 44 linear feet of 36-inch RCP culvert at centerline station 47+70 on SR 2903 in an unnamed tributary to Bachelor Creek in Randolph County, North Carolina. Description. of Activity: To replace 30 linear feet of existing 15-inch CMP culvert with 44 linear feet of 36-inch RCP culvert with 2 FES for a total length of 60 linear feet. Traffic will be detoured onto existing roadways during construction. Applicable Law. X Section 404 (Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1344) Section 10 (River and Harbor Act of 1899) Authorization: 14 Nationwide Permit Number Regional General Permit Number Your work is authorized by this Regional General (RGP) or Nationwide (NWP) Permit provided it is accomplished in strict accordance with the attached conditions and your submitted plans. If your activity is subject to Section 404 (if Section 404 block above is checked), before beginning work you must also receive a Section 401 water quality certification from the N.C. Division of Environmental Management, telephone (919) 733-1786. For any activity within the twenty coastal counties, before beginning work you must contact the N.C. Division of Coastal Management, telephone (919) 733-2293. Please read and carefully comply with the attached conditions of the RGP or NWP. Any violation of the conditions of the RGP or NWP referenced above may subject the permittee to a stop work order, a restoration order, and/or appropriate legal action. This Department of the Army RGP or NWP verification does not relieve the permittee of the responsibility to obtain any other required Federal, State, or local approvals/permits. The permittee may need to contact appropriate State and local agencies before beginning work. If there are any questions regarding this authorization or any of the conditions of the RGP or NWP, please contact the Corps Regulatory Official specified below. Date 12 June 2002___-- Corps Regulatory Official Richard K.SSUenc -Telephone No. (910) 251-4172 Expiration Date of Veritication_12 June 2005 CF: NCDOT, Art King (Division 8) NDDWQ, Cynthia Van Der Wiele? a W3,Ly 2 _ ? , / I- ? / `Y f?? i? ,.II ^r •_?, I 1 y,? v...? J s. z . ??e 1 y ` ?? tv1 _, I ? ?? I \ ?O I v t T _ ?JI ll TF- n?n = Z-S ^ so s-s TvJ 6? ', :va - ?cQ' I a c I i ?e 1 =+it J Z T Y /` M O O R E\ C O U N T Y 'fl ii I'v f ? ?? /?•. ?- r" - - ? ? I; y? r llr? 1???C\ I 1•? '• I f ' ?•(I ?I J ? ! ; 4b N " (G irk 'J / 1J - •/?1?C. 5' 37 49.29' V/79' 4a2' 2.70 _ ? -.., - •a.' 1 /" it ? / ! ,/ ?r'??? \\\'" ? 1~~ r-W) . ?.'. ?" X84 3 -1) TopoQtnds Copi-ight r 19991kLormr l annouth, \IE OO!( 6, S n+rce Dutj: 1 14iS a7: (t k+k: t : 12.(XNI I)etsil: 140 I)au+m: l1 GSC1 J` - ? g b b a ti 11 $i c r4 tv y Ste`{ ? I I vi rb ` H ,8t'98Z H _ I 8 w v? w? I 4?? to i? I I { 1 J r ?. D z l \ ?j f O C i i ? i. s i ? i o p\ ,L? ? v ?ti 0 ro I W 9 N W J ° I I? o m ; m H v 9 ? ° ?m . ?v ? O A N A Cf) C/) O ? o m m x ? C7 . co H I t O z O N co o I II I II I II II I i'?1 II II ? ? I I I ? I I II ? r - m /I D I H I I/ 0 Z I N n N o ? o N I69 Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 15, 2002 / Notices 2077 New York New York District Engineer, ATTN: CENAN- OP-R, 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278-0090 North Carolina Wilmington District Engineer, ATTN: CESWW-RG, P.O. Box 1890, Wilmington, NC 28402-1890 North Dakota Omaha District Engineer, ATTN: CENWO- OP-R, 106 South 15th Street, Omaha, NE 68102-1618 Ohio Huntington District Engineer, ATTN: CELRH-OR-F, 502 8th Street, Huntington, WV 25701-2070 Oklahoma Tulsa District Engineer, A"ITN: CESWT-PE- R, 1645 S. 101st East Ave, Tulsa, OK 74128-4609 Oregon Portland District Engineer, ATTN: CENWP- PE-G, P.O. Box 2946, Portland, OR 97208- 2946 Pennsylvania Baltimore District Engineer, ATTN: CENAB- OP-R, P.O. Box 1715, Baltimore, MD 21203-1715 Rhode Island New England District Engineer, ATTN: CENAE-R, 696 Virginia Road, Concord, MA 01742-2751 South Carolina Charleston District Engineer, ATTN: CESAC- CO-P, P.O. Box 919, Charleston, SC 29402-0919 South Dakota Omaha District Engineer, ATTN: CENWO-- OP-R, 106 South 15th Street, Omaha, NE 68102-1618 Tennessee Nashville District Engineer, ATTN: CELRN- OP-F, P.O. Box 1070, Nashville, TN 37202-1070 Texas Ft. Worth District Engineer, ATTN: CESWF- PER-R, P.O. Box 17300, Ft. Worth, TX 76102-0300 Utah Sacramento District Engineer, ATTN: CESPK-CO-R, 1325 J Street, CA 95814-- 2922 Vermont New England District Engineer, ATTN: CENAE-R, 696 Virginia Road, Concord, MA 01742-2751 Virginia Norfolk District Engineer, AI TN: CENAO- OP--R, 803 Front Street, Norfolk, VA 23510-1096 Washington Seattle District Engineer, ATTN: CF.NIVS-- OP-RG, P.O. Box 3755, Seattle, WA 98124- 2255 West Virginia Huntington District Engineer, ATTN: CELRII-OR-F, 502 8th Street, Iuntington, WV 25701-2070 Wisconsin St. Paul District Engineer, AT'1 N: CEIviVP-- CO-R, 190 Fifth Street East, St. Paul, MN 551P1-1638 Wyoming Omaha District Engineer, ATTN: CENWO- OP-R, 106 South 15th Street, Omaha, NE 68102-1618 District of Columbia Baltimore District Engineer, ATTN: CENAB- OP-R, P.O. Box 1715, Baltimore, MD 21203-1715 Pacific Territories (American Samoa, Guam, & Commonwealth of, the Northern Mariana Islands) Honolulu District Engineer, ATTN: CEPOH- EC-R, Building 230, Fort Shafter, Honolulu, Ell 96858-5440 Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands Jacksonville District Engineer, ATTN: CESAJ-CO-R, P.O. Box 4970, Jacksonville, FL 32202-4412 Dated: January 4, 2002. Approved: Robert 1-I. Griffin, Brigadier General, U.S. Army, Director of Civil Works. Nationwide Permits, Conditions, Further Information, and Definitions A. Index of Nation Wide Permits, Conditions, Further Information, and Definitions Nationwide Permits 1. Aids to Navigation 2. Structures in Artificial Canals 3. Maintenance 4. Fish and Wildlife Harvesting, Enhancement, and Attraction Devices and Activities 5. Scientific Measurement Devices 6. Survey Activities 7. Outfall Structures and Maintenance 8. Oil and Gas Structures 9. Structures in Fleeting and Anchorage Areas 10. Mooring Buoys 11. Temporary Recreational Structures 12. Utility Line Activities 13. Bank Stabilization 14. Linear Transportation Projects 15. U.S. Coast Guard Approved Bridges 16. Return Water From Upland Contained Disposal Areas 17. Hydropower Projects 18. Minor Discharges 19. Minor Dredging 20. Oil Spill Cleanup 21. Surface Coal Mining Activities 22. Removal of Vessels 23. Approved Categorical Exclusions 24. State Administered Section 40,1 Programs 25. Structural Discharges 26.[Reservedl 27. Stream and Wetland Restoration Activities 28. Modifications of Existing Marinas 29. Single-family Housing 30. Moist Soil Management for Wildlife 31. Maintenance of Existing Flood Control Facilities 32. Completed Enforcement Actions 33. Temporary Construction, Access and Dewatering 34. Cranberry Production Activities 35. Maintenance Dredging of Existing Basins 36. Boat Ramps 37. Emergency Watershed Protection and Rehabilitation 38 Cleanup of Hazardous and Toxic Waste 39. Residential, Commercial, and Institutional Developments 40. Agricultural Activities 41. Reshaping Existing Drainage Ditches 42. Recreational Facilities 43. Stormwater Management Facilities 44. Mining Activities Nationwide Permit General Conditions 1. Navigation 2. Proper Maintenance 3. Soil Erosion and Sediment Controls 4. Aquatic Life Movements 5. Equipment 5. Regional and Case-by-Case Conditions 7. Wild and Scenic Rivers 8. Tribal Rights 9. Water Quality 10. Coastal Zone Management 11. Endangered Species 12. Historic Properties 13. Notification 14. Compliance Certification 15. Use of Multiple Nationwide Permits. 16. Water Supply Intakes 17. Shellfish Beds 18. Suitable Material 19. Mitigation 20, Spawning Areas 21. Management of Water Flows 22. Adverse Effects from Impoundments 23. Waterfowl Breeding Areas 24. Removal of Temporary Fills 25. Designated Critical Resource Waters 26. Fills Within 100-year Floodplains 27. Construction Period Further Information Definitions Best Management Practices (Mlv[Ps) Compensatory Mitigation Creation Enhancement Ephemeral Stream Farur Tract Flood Fringe Floodway Independent Utility Intermittent Stream Loss of Waters of the US Non-tidal Wetland Open Water Perennial Stream Permanent Above-grade Fill Preservation Restoration Riffle and Pool Complex 2078 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 10/Tuesday, January 15, 2002/Notices Single and Complete project Stormwater Management bridges, culverted road crossings, water intake structures etc ) and th done primarily to obtain fill for any Stormwater Management Facilities Stream Bed , . e placement of new or additional riprap t restoration activities. The dischatge of o dredged or fill material and all related Stream Channelization protect the structure, provided the work needed to restore the upland must Tidal Wetland Vegetated Buffer perrnittee notifies the District Engineer in accordance with General Condition be part of a single and complete project. This permit cannot be used in Vegetated Shallows Waterbody 13. The removal of sediment is limited to the minimum necessary to restore th conjunction with NWP 18 or NWP 19 to d B. Nationwide Permits e waterway in the immediate vicinity of restore amaged upland areas. This permit cannot be used to reclaim 1. Aids to Navigation. The placement the structure to the approximate dimensions that existed wh th historic lands lost, over an extended of aids to navigation and Regulatory markers which are approved by and en e structure was built, but cannot extend period, to normal erosion processes. This permit does not authorize installed in accordance with the i f furthet• than 200 feet in an direction y from the structure. The placement of ri maintenance dredging for the primary requ rements o the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) (See 33 CFR, chapter I, R, p rap must be the minimum necessary to purpose of navigation and beach restoration. This permit does not subchapter C part (Section 10) 2. Structures in Artificial Canals. protect the structure or to ensure the safety of the structure. All excavated authorize new stream channelization or stream relocation projects. Any work Structures constructed in artificial canals within principally residential materials must be deposited and retained in an upland area unless authorized by this permit must not cause more than minimal de radation of developments where the connection of otherwise specifically approved by the g water quality, more than minimal the canal to navigable water of the US has been previously authorized (s 33 District Engineer under separate authorization. Any bank stabilization changes to the flow characteristics of the str i ee CFR 322.5(8)). (Section 10) measures not directly associated with eam, or ncrease flooding (See General Conditions 9 and 21) (Sections *3. Maintenance. Activities related to: the structure will require a separate . 10 and 404) (i) The repair, rehabilitation, or replacement of any previously authorization from the District Engineer. (iii) Discharges of dred ed or fill Vote: This MVP authorizes the repair, h bili i authorized, currently serviceable, g material, including excavation, into all re a tat on, or replacement of any previously authorized structure or fill that structure, or fill, or of any currently waters of the US for activities associated does not qualify for the Section 404(f) serviceable structure or fill authorized with the restoration of upland areas exemption for maintenance. by 33 CFR 330.3, provided that the damaged by a storm, flood, or other '4. Fish and Wildlife Harvesting structure or fill is not to be put to uses differing from those uses specified or discrete event, including the construction, placement, or installation , Enhancement, and Attraction Devices and Activities. Fish and wildlife contemplated for it in the original permit or the most recently authorized of upland protection structures and minor dredging to remove obstructions harvesting devices and activities such as pound nets, crab traps crab dredgin modification. Minor deviations in the ' in a water of the US. (Uplands lost as , g, eel pots, lobster traps, duck blinds clam structure s configuration or filled area including those due to changes in a result of a storm, flood, or other discrete event can be re laced with t , and oyster digging; and small fish attra ti d i materials, construction techniques, or p ou a Section 404 permit provided the c on ev ces such as open water fish concentrators (sea kites, etc.). This current construction codes or safety standards which are necessary to make uplands are restored to their original pre-event location. This NWP is for the NWP authorizes shellfish seeding provided this activity does not occur in repair, rehabilitation, or replacement are activities in waters of the US associated wetlands or sites that support permitted, provided the adverse environmental effects resulting from with the replacement of the uplands.) The permittee must notify the District submerged aquatic vegetation (including sites where submerged aquatic such repair, rehabilitation, or replacement are minimal. Currently Engineer, in accordance with General Condition 13, within 12-months of the vegetation is documented to exist, but may not be present in a given year.) serviceable means useable as is or with date of the darnage and the work must . This NWP does not authorize artificial some maintenance, but not so degraded commence, or be under contract to reefs or impoundments and semi- as to essentially require reconstruction, This NWP authorizes the repair commence, within two years of the date of the dam Th i impoundments of waters of the US for , rehabilitation, or replacement of those age. e perm ttee should provide evidence, such as a recent the culture or holding of motile species such as lobster or the use of covered structures or fills destroyed or damaged by storms, floods, fire or other discrete topographic survey or photographs, to justify the extent of the proposed oyster trays or clam racks. (Sections 10 and 404) events, provided the repair, rehabilitation, or replacement is restoration. The restoration of the damaged areas cannot exc d th , 5. Scientific Measurement Devices. commenced, or is under contract to ee e contours, or ordinary high water mark, Devices, whose purpose is to measure and record scientific data such as staff commence, within two years of the date of their destruction or damage. In cases that existed before the darnage. The District Engineer retains the right to gages, title gages, water recording devices water ualit testi d of catastrophic events, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, this two-year determine the extent of the pre-existing conditions and the extent of an , q y ng an improvement devices and similar t t S ll limit may be waived by the District y restoration work authorized by this s ruc ures. ma weirs and flurries constructed primarily to record water Engineer, provided the perrnittee can demonstrate funding, contract, or other permit. Minor dredging to remove obstructions from the adjacent quantity and velocity are also th i d similar delays. (ii) Dischar es of d d d fill waterbody is limited to 50 cubic yards au or ze provided the discharge is limited to 25 cubic yards and further for g re ge or material, including excavation, into all below the plane of the ordinary high water mark, and is limited to the discharges of 10 to 25 cubic yards provided the perrnittee notifies the waters of the US to remove accumulated sediments and debris in the vicinity of, amount necessary to restore the pre- existing bottom contours of th District Engineer in accordance with the " " and within, existing structures (e,g., e waterbody. The dredging may riot be Notification General Condition. (Sections 10 and 404) 'Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 15, 2002/Notices 2079 ' 6. Survey Activities. Survey activities including core sampling, seismic exploratory operations, plugging of seismic shot holes and other exploratory-type bore holes, soil survey, sampling, and historic resources surveys, Discharges and structures associated witli the recovery of historic resources are not authorized by this MVP. Drilling and the discharge of excavated material from test wells for oil and gas exploration is riot authorized by this NWP; the plugging of such wells is authorized. Fill placed for roads, pads and other similar activities is not authorized by this NWP. The MVP does not authorize any permanent structures. The discharge of drilling mud and cuttings may require a permit under section 402 of the CWA. (Sections 10 and 404) -7. Outfall Structures and Maintenance, Activities related to: (i) Construction of outfall structures and associated intake structures where the effluent from the outfall is authorized, conditionally authorized, or specifically exempted, or are otherwise in compliance with regulations issued under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program (Section 402 of the CWA), and (ii) Maintenance excavation, including dredging, to remove accumulated sediments blocking or restricting outfall and intake structures, accumulated sediments from small impoundments associated with outfall and intake structures, and accumulated sediments from carrals associated with outfall and intake structures, provided that the activity meets all of the following criteria: a. The permittee notifies the District Engineer in accordance with General Condition 13; b. The amount of excavated or dredged material must be the minimum necessary to restore the outfalls, intakes, small impoundments, and canals to original design capacities and design configurations (i.e., de ith and width); c. The excavated or dredged material is deposited and retained at an upland site, unless otherwise approved by the District Ingineer under separate authorization; and d. Proper soil erosion and sediment control measures are used to minimize reentry of sediments into waters of the t1S. The construction of intake structures is not authorized by this NWP, unless they are directly associated with an authorized outfall structure. For maintenance excavation and dredging to remove accuunulatecl Wdirnents, the notification must include information regarding the original design capacities and configurations of the facility and e presence of special aquatic sites e.g., vegetated shallows) in the vicinity of the proposed work. (Sections 10 and 404) 8. Oil and Gas Structures. Structures for the exploration, production, and transportation of oil, gas, and minerals on the outer continental shelf within areas leased for such purposes by the DOI, Minerals Management Service (MMSY'Such structures shall not be placed within the limits of any designated shipping safety fairway or traffic separation scheme, except temporary anchors that comply yvith the fairway regulations in 33 CFR 322.5(1). (Where such limits have not been designated, or where changes are anticipated, District Engineers will consider asserting discretionary authority in accordance with 33 CFR 330.4(e) and will also review such proposals to ensure they comply with the provisions of the fairway regulations in 33 CFR 322.5(1). Any Corps review wider this permit will be limited to the effects on navigation and national security in accordance with 33 CFR, .322.5(0). Such structures will not be placed in established danger zones or restricted areas as designated in 33 CFR part 334: nor will such structures be permitted in EPA or Corps designated dredged material disposal areas. (Section 10) ' 9. Structures in Fleeting and Anchorage Areas. Structures, buoys, floats and other devices placed within anchorage or fleeting areas to facilitate moorage of vessels where the USCG has established such areas for that purpose. (Section 10) , 10. Mooring Buovs. Non-commercial, single-boat, mooring buoys. (Section 10) 11. Temporary Recreational Structures. 't'emporary buoys, markers, small floating docks, and similar structures placed for recreational use during specific events such as water skiing competitions and boat races or seasonal use provided that such structures are removed within 30 days after use has been discontinued. At Corps of Engineers reservoirs, the reservoir manager must approve each huoy or marker individually. (Section 10) .12. Utility Line Activities. Activities required For the construction, maintenance and repair of utility lines and associated facilities in waters of the US as follows: (i) Utility lines: The construction, nminten,ulce, or repair Of utility lines, including outfall and intake structures and the associated excavation, backfill, or bedding for the utility lines, in all waters of the US, provided there is no change in preconstruction contours, A "utility line" is defined as any pipe or pipeline for the transportation of any gaseous, liquid, liquescent, or slurs: substance, for any purpose, and any cable, line, or wire for the transmission for any purpose of electrical energy, telephone, and telegraph messages, and radio and television communication (see Note 1, below). Material resulting from trench excavation may be temporarily sidecast (up to three months) into waters of the US, provided that the material is not placed in such a manner that it is dispersed by currents or other forces. The District Engineer may extend the period of temporary side casting riot to exceed a total of 180 days, where appropriate, In wetlands, the top 6" to 12" of the trench should normally be backfilled'with topsoil from the trench. Furthermore, the trench cannot be constructed in such a manner as to drain waters of the US (e.g., backfillin; with extensive gravel layers, creating a french drain effect). For example, utility line trenches can be backfilled with clay blocks to ensure that the trench does not drain the waters of the US through which the utility line is installed. Any exposed slopes and stream banks must be stabilized immediately upon completion of the utility line crossing of each waterbody. (ii) Utility line substations: The construction, maintenance, or expansion of a substation facility associated with a power line or utility line in non-tidal waters of the US, excluding non-tidal wetlands adjacent to tidal waters, provided the activity does not result in the loss of greater than 1/2-acre of non-tidal waters of the US. (iii) Foundations for overhead utility line towers, poles, and anchors: The construction or maintenance of foundations for overhead utility line towers, poles, and anchors in all waters of the US, provided the foundations are the minimum size necessary and separate footings for each tower leg (rather than a larger single pad) are used where feasible. (iv) Access roads: The construction of access roads for the construction and maintenance of utility lines, including overhead power lines and utility line substations, in non-ticlal waters of the US, excluding non-tidal wetlands adjacent to tidal waters, provided the discharges do not cause the loss of greater than '/ -acre of non-tidal waters of the US. Access roads shall be the nuiniunuin width necessary (see Note below). Access roads must be constructed so that the lenoth of the road minimizes the adverse effects on waters of the US and as near as possible to preconstruction contours and 2080 - Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 10/71uesday, lanuarv 15. 2002/Nolirree elevations (e.g., at grade corduroy roads or geotextile/gravel roads). Access road- constructed above preconstruction contours and elevations in waters of the US must be properly bridged or culverted to maintain surface flows. The term "utility line" does not include activities which drain a water o the CIS, such as drainage tile, or french drains; however, it does apply to pipes conveying drainage from another area. For the purposes of this NWP, the loss of waters of the US includes the filled area plus waters of the LIS that are adversely affected by flooding, excavation, or drainage as a result of the project. Activities authorized by paragraph (i) through (iv) may not exceed a total of 1/•r-acre loss of waters of the US. Waters of the US temporarily affected by filling, flooding, excavation, or drainage, where the project area is restored to preconstruction contours and elevation, is not included in the calculation of permanent loss of waters of the US. This includes temporary construction mats (e.g., timber, steel, geotextile) used during construction and removed upon completion of the work. Where certain functions and values of waters of the US are permanently adversely affected, such as the conversion of a forested wetland to a herbaceous wetland in the permanently maintained utility line right-of-way, mitigation will be required to reduce the adverse effects of the project to the minimal level. Mechanized land clearing necessary for the construction, maintenance, or repair of utility lines and the construction, maintenance and expansion of utility line substations, foundations for overhead utility lines, and access roads is authorized, provided the cleared area is kept to the minimum necessary and preconstruction contours are maintained as near as possible. Tire area of waters of the US that is filled, excavated, or flooded must be limited to the minimum necessary to construct the utility line, substations, foundations, and access roads. Excess material must be removed to upland areas immediately upon completion of construction. This NWP may authorize utility lines in or affecting navigable waters of the LIS even if there is no associated discharge of dredged or fill material (See 33 CFR part 322). Notification: The perrnittee must notify the District Engineer in accordance with General Condition 13, if any of the following criteria are nuet: (a) Mechanized land clearing in a forested wetland for the utility line right-of-way; (b) A Section 10 permit is required; (c) The utility line in waters of the s LIS, excluding overhead lines, exceeds 500 feet; (d) The utility line is placed within a jurisdictional area (i.e., water of the US) and it runs parallel to a stream bed that is within that jurisdictional area; f (e) Discharges associated with the construction of utility line substations that result in the loss of greater than 1/.0 acre of waters of the US; or (f) PeS manent access roads constructed above grade in waters of the LIS for a distance of more than 500 feet. (g) Permanent access roads constructed in waters of the US with impervious materials. (Sections 10 and 404) Note 1: Overhead utilitv lines constructed over Section 10 waters and utility lines that are routed in or under Section 10 waters without a discharge of dredged or fill material require a Section 10 permit; except for pipes or pipelines used to transport gaseous, liquid, liquescent, or slurry substances over navigable waters of the US, which are considered to be bridges, not utility lines, and may require a permit from the USCG pursuant to section 9 of the Rivers and I larbors Act of 1899. However, any discharges of dredged or fill material associated with such pipelines will require a Corps permit under Section 404. Note 2: Access roads used for both construction and maintenance may be authorized, provided they meet the terms and conditions of this NWP. Access roads used solely for construction of the utility line must be removed upon completion of the work and the area restored to preconstruction contours, elevations, and wetland conditions. Temporary access roads for construction may be authorized by NWP 33. Note 3: Where the proposed utility line is constructed or installed in navigable waters of the US (i.e., Section 10 waters), copies of the PCN and MVP verification will be sent by the Corps to the National Occanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Occan Service (NOS), for charting the utility line to protect navigation. •13. Bank Stabilization. Bank stabilization activities necessary for erosion prevention provided the activity meets all of the following criteria: a. No material is placed more than the rruinimunl needed for erosion protection; b. The bank stabilization activity is less than 500 feet in length; c. The activity will not exceed an average of one cubic yard per running foot placed along the bank below the plane of tfue ordinary high water mark or the high tide line; d. No material is placed in any special aquatic site, including wetlands; e. No material is of the type, or is placed in any location, or in any manner, to impair surface water flow into or out of any wetland area; f. No material is placed in a manner that will be eroded by normal or expected high flows (properly anchored trees and treetops may be used in low energy areas); and, g. The activity is part of a single and complete project. Bank stabilization activities in excess of 500 feet in length or greater than an average of one cubic yard per running foot may be authorized if the perrnittee notifies the District Engineer in accordance with the "Notification" General Condition 13 and the District Engineer determines the activity complies with the other terms and conditions of the NWP and the adverse environmeuutal effects are minimal both individually and cumulatively. -['his NWP may not be used for the channelization of waters of tare US. (Sections 10 and 404) Q4. GinearTronsportation Projects. Activities required for the construction, expansion, modification, or improvement of linear transportation crossings (e.g,, highways, railways, trails, airport runways, and taxiways) in waters of the LIS, including wetlands, if the activity meets the following criteria: a. This NWP is subject to the following acreage limits: (1) For linear transportation projects in non-tidal waters, provided the discharge does not cause the loss of greater than 1/2.-acre of waters of the US; (2) For linear transportation projects in tidal waters, provided the discharge does not cause the loss of greater than Vs-acre of waters of the US. b. The perrnittee must notify the District Engineer in accordance with General Condition 13 if any of the following criteria are met: (1) Tile discharge causes the loss of greater than ho-acre of waters of the US; or (2) There is a discharge iu a special aquatic site, including wetlands; c. The notification must include a compensatory mitigation proposal to offset permanent losses of waters of the US to ensure that those losses result only in minimal adverse effects to the aquatic environment and a statement describing how temporary losses will be minimized to the maximum extent practicable; d. For discharges in special aquatic sites, including -wetlands, and stream riffle and pool complexes, the notification must include a delineation of the affected special aquatic sites; e. The -width of the fill is limited to the nuiuiniuun necessary for the crossing; f. This permit does not authorize stream channelization, and the authorized activities must not cause more than minimal changes to the hydraulic flow characteristics of the stream, increase flooding, or cause more Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 10 /'Tuesday, January 15, 2002/Notices 2081 than minimal degradation of water quality of any stream (see General Conditions 9 and 21); g. This permit cannot be used to authorize non-linear features commonly associated with transportation projects, such as vehicle maintenance or storage buildings, parking lots, train stations, or aircraft hangars; acid h. The crossing is a single and complete project for crossing waters of the US. Where a road segment (i.e., the shortest segment of a road with independent utility that is part of a larger project) has multiple crossings of streams (several single and complete projects) the Corps will consider whether it should use its discretionary authority to require an Individual Permit. (Sections 10 and 404) Note: Some discharges for the construction of farm roads, forest roads, or temporary roads for moving mining equipment may be eligible for an exemption from the need for a Section 404 permit (see 33 CFR 323.4). • 15. U.S. Coast Guard Approved Bridges. Discharges of dredged or fill material incidental to the construction of bridges across navigable waters of the US, including cofferdams, abutments, foundation seals, piers, and temporary construction and access fills provided such discharges have been authorized by the USCG as part of the bridge permit. Causeways and approach fills are not included in this NWP and will require an individual or regional Section 404 permit. (Section 404) .16. Return Water Prom Upland Contained Disposal Areas. Return water from upland, contained dredged material disposal area. The dredging itself may require a Section 404 permit (33 CFR 323.2(d)), but will require a Section 10 permit if located in navigable waters of the US. The return water from a contained disposal area is administratively.defined as a discharge of dredged material by 33 CFR 323.2(d), even though the disposal itself occurs on the upland and does not require a Section 404 permit. This NWP satisfies the technical requirement for a Section 404 permit for the return water where the quality of the return water is controlled by the state through the Section 401 certification procedures. (Section 404) - 17. Flydropower Projects. Discharges of dredged or fill material associated with (a) small hydropower projects at existing reservoirs where the project, which includes the. fill, are licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Fl?RC) under the Federal Power Act of 1920, as antencled; and has a total generating capacity of not more than 5000 kW; and the permittee notifies the District Engineer in accordance with the ''Notification" General Condition; or (b) hydropower projects for which the FERC has granted an exemption from licensing pursuant to section 408 of the Energy Security Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2705 and 2708) and section 30 of the Federal Power Act, as amended; provided the permittee notifies the District Engineer in accordance with the ''Notification'' General Condition. (Section 404) 18..MinorDischarges. Minor discharges of dredged or fill material into all waters of the US if the activity meets all of the following criteria: a. The quantity of discharged material and the volume of area excavated do not exceed 25 cubic yards below the plane of the ordinary high water mark or the high tide line; b. The discharge, including any excavated area, will not cause the loss of more than 1/,o-acre of a special aquatic site, including wetlands. For the purposes of this NWP, the acreage limitation includes the filled area and excavated area plus special aquatic sites that are adversely affected by flooding and special aquatic sites that are drained so that they would no longer be a water of the US as a result of the project; c. If the discharge, including any excavated area, exceeds 10 cubic yards below the plane of the ordinary high water mark or the high tide line or if the discharge is in a special aquatic site, including wetlands, the permittee notifies the District Engineer in accordance with the "Notification'' General Condition. For discharges in special aquatic sites, including wetlands, the notification must also include a delineation of affected special aquatic sites, including wetlands (also see 33 CFR 330.1(e)); and d. The discharge, including all attendant features, both temporary and permanent, is part of a single and complete project and is not placed for the purpose of a stream diversion. (Sections 10 and 404) 19. Minor Dredging. Dredging of no more than 25 cubic: yards below the plane of the ordinary high water mark or the mean high water mark from navigable waters of the us (i.e., Section 10 waters) as part of a single and complete project. '['his NWP does not authorize the dredging or degradation througlr siltation of coral reefs, sites that support submerged aquatic vegetation (including sites where submerged aquatic: vegotation is documented to exist, but may not be present in a given year), anadrontous fish spawning areas, or wetlands, or the connection of canals or other artificial waterways to navigable waters of the US (see 33 CFR 322.5(8)). (Sections 10 and 404) 20. Gil Spill Cleanup. Activities required for the containment and cleanup of oil and hazardous substances which are subject to the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (40 CF'R part 300) provided that the work is done in accordance with the Spill Control and Countermeasure Plan required by 40 CFR 112.3 and any existing state contingency plan and provided that the Regional Response Team (if one exists in the area) concurs with the proposed containment and cleanup action. (Sections 10 and 404) 21. Surface Coal Mining Activities. Discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the US associated with surface coal mining and reclamation operations provided the coal mining activities are authorized by the DOT, Office of Surface Mining (OSM), or by states with approved programs under Title V of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 and provided the permittee notifies the District Engineer in accordance with the "Notification" General Condition. In addition, to be authorized by this NWP, the District Engineer must determine that the activity complies with the terms and conditions of the NWP and that the adverse environmental effects are minimal both individually and cumulatively and must notify the project sponsor of this determination in writing. The Corps, at the discretion of the District Engineer, may require a bond to ensure success of the mitigation, if no other Federal or state agency has required one. For discharges in special aquatic sites, including wetlands, and strearn riffle and pool complexes, the notification must also include a delineation of affected special aquatic sites, including wetlands. (also, see 33 CFA 330.1(e)) Mitigation: In determining the need for as well as the level arid type of mitigation, the District Engineer will ensure no more than minimal adverse effects to the aquatic: environment occur. As such, District Engineers will determine oil a case-by-case basis the requirement for adequate mitigation to ensure the effects to aquatic systems arc minimal. In cases where OSM or the state has required mitigation for the loss of aquatic habitat, the Corps may consider this in determining appropriate mitigation under Section 404. (Sections 10 and 404) 22. Rornovol of Vessels. Temporary structures or minor discharges of dredged or fill material required for the renunval of wrecked, abandoned, or disabled vessels, or the removal of nran- 2082 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 15, 2002/ Notices made obstructions to navigation. This NWP does not authorize the remov l f within the form prior to the discharge of bed and/or banks to restore or create a o vessels listed or determined eligible for concrete, sand, rock, etc. This NWP does not authorize filled str t l stream meanders; the backfilling of listing on the National Register of Historic Places unless the Di t i uc ura members that would support buildings, artificial channels and drainage ditches; the removal of existing drainage s r ct Engineer is notified and indicates that building pads, homes, house pads, parking areas storage areas and th structures; the construction of small there is compliance with the "Historic , o er such structures, The structure itself m nesting islands; the construction of open Properties" General Condition. This NWP does not authorize maint ay require a Section 10 permit if located in water areas; the construction of oyster habitat over unvegetated bottom in tidal enance dredging, shoal removal, or riverbank navigable waters of the US. (Section 404) waters; activities needed to reestablish snagging. Vessel disposal in waters of the US may need a ermit fr EPA 26. [Reserved] 27 St vegetation, including plowing or discing for seed bed preparation and the p om (see 40 CFR 229.3). (Sections 10 and . ream and Wetland Restoration Activities. Activities in waters of the US planting of appropriate wetland species; 404) 23. Approved Categorical Exclusions. associated with the restoration of former waters, the enhancement of de raded mechanized land clearing to remove non-native invasive, exotic: or nusiance Activities undertaken, assisted, authorized regulated funded or g tidal and non-tidal wetlands and i i vegetation; and other related activities. This NWP does not authorize the , , , r par an areas, the creation of tidal and financed, in whole or in part, by another non-tidal wetlands and ri arian a conversion of a stream to another Federal agency or department where that agency or department has p reas, and the restoration and enhancement of aquatic use, such as the creation of an impoundment for waterfowl habitat, determined, pursuant to the Council on non-tidal streams and non-tidal open water areas as follows: This NWP does not authorize strearn channeliz ti Thi N Environmental Quality Regulation for Implementing the Procedural Provisions (a) The activity is conducted on: (1) Non-Federal public: lands arid- a on. s WP does not authorize the conversion Of natural of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 CFR part 1500 et se ) , private lands, in accordance with the term d di wetlands to another aquatic use, such as creation of waterfowl impoundments q. , that the activity, work, or discharge is s an con tions of a binding wetland enhancement restoration where a forested wetland previously categorically excluded from , , or creation agreement between the existed. However, this NWI' authorizes the relocation of non-tidal wat environmental documentation, because it is included within a category of landowner and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) or the Natural ers, including non-tidal wetlands, on the actions which neither individually nor cumulatively have a significant effect on Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the National Marine Fisherie S i project site provided there are net gains in aquatic resource functions and the human environment, and the Office s erv ce, the National Ocean Service, or values. For example, this NWP may authorize the creation of of the Chief of Engineers (ATTN: CECW- OR) has been furnished notice of the voluntary wetland restoration, enhancement and creati ti an open water impoundment in a non-tidal emergent agency's or department's application for th , on ac ons documented by the NRCS pursuant to wetland, provided the non-tidal emergent wetland is replaced b e categorical exclusion and concurs with that determination. Before NRCS regulations; or (2) Reclaimed surface coal mi y creating that wetland type on the project approval for purposes of this NWP of ' ne lands, in accordance with a Surface site. This NWP does not authorize the relocation of tidal waters or the any agency s categorical exclusions, the Chief of Engineers will solicit public Mining Control and Reclamation Act permit issued by the OSM or the conversion of tidal waters, including id comment. In addressing these comments, the Chief of En ineers ma applicable state agency (the future i d t al wetlands, to other aquatic uses, such as the conversion of tidal wetlands g y require certain conditions for revers on oes not apply to streams or wetlands created, restored, or enhanced into open water impoundments. Reversion For enhancement authorization of an agency's categorical exclusions under this NWP. (Sections as mitigation for the raining impacts, nor naturall clue to h clr l i . , restoration, and creation projects d d 10 and 404) 24. State Administered Section 404 y y o og c or topographic features, nor for a con ucte under paragraphs (a)(3), this NWP does not authorize any future Program. Any activity permitted by a state administerin its own S ti 40 mitigation bank); or (3YAny other public, private or tribal discharge of dredged or fill material associated with the reversion of the area g ec on 4 permit program pursuant to 33 U.S.C. 1344(-)-(1) is permitted ursuant to lands; (b) Notification: For activities on any bli to its prior condition. In such cases a separate permit would be required for p section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act f pu c or private land that are not described by paragraphs (a)(1) or (a)(2) guy reversion. For restoration, enhancement and creation rojects o 1899. Those activities that do not involve a Section 404 t t i ahove, the permittee must notify the , p conducted under para-raphs (a)(1) and s a e perm t are not included in this NWP, but certain District En-ineer in accordance with General Condition 13; and (a)(2), this NWP also authorizes any future discharge of dredged or fill structures will be exempted by section 154 of Pub. L. 94-587, 90 Stat. 2917 (33 (c) Planting of only native species should occur on tin it material associated with the reversion of U.S.C. 591) (see 33 CFR 322.3(a)(2)). (Section 10) e s e. Activities authorized by this NWP the area to its documented prior condition and use (i.e., prior to the 25. Structural Discharges. Discharges include, to the extent that a Corps permit is required, but are not limito(t restoration, enhancement, or creation activities) The reversio t of material such as concrete, sand, rock, etc., into ti-litly sealed forms or cells to: the removal of accumulated sedinients; the installation r l . n mus occur within five years after expiration of a where the material will be used as a structural member for standard ile , emova , aril maintenance of small water control t t d k limited terns wetland restoration or creation agreement or permit, even if the p supported structures, such as bridges, s ruc ures, i es, and berms; the installation of current deflectors; the discharge occurs after this NWI' expires. This NWP also authorizes the reve i transmission line footings, and walkways or for general navigation, enhancement, restoration, or creation of riffle and pool stream structure th rs on of wetlands that were restored, h such as mooring cells, including the ; e placement of in-stream habitat en anced, or created oil prior-converted cropland that has not been abandoned excavation of bottom material from structures; modifications of the stream , in accordance with a bincling a-reement Federal Register/ Vol. 67, No. 10/`I'uesclay, January 15, 2002 /Notices 2083 between the landowner and NRCS or FWS (even though the restoration, enhancement, or creation activity did not require a Section 40,1 permit). The five-year reversion limit does not apply to agreements without time limits reached under paragraph (a)(1). The prior condition will be documented in the original agreement or permit, and the determination of return to prior conditions will he made by the Federal agency or appropriate state agency executing the agreement or permit. Before any reversion activity the permittee or the appropriate Federal or state agency must notify the District Engineer and include the documentation of the prior condition. Once an area has reverted to its prior physical condition, it will be subject to whatever the Corps Regulatory requirements will be at that future date. (Sections 10 and 404) Note: Compensatory mitigation is not required for activities authorized by this NWP, provided the Authorized work results in a net increase in aquatic resource functions aril values in the project area. This MVP can be used to authorize compensatory mitigation projects, including mitigation banks, provided the permittee notifies the District Engineer in accordance with General Condition 13, and the project includes compensatory mitigation for impacts to waters of the US caused by the authorized work. However, this NWP does not authorize the reversion of an area used for a compensatory mitigation project to its prior condition. NWP 27 can be used to authorize impacts at a mitigation bank, but only in circumstances where it has been approved under the Interagency Federal Mitigation Bank Guidelines. 28. Modifications of Existing Marinas. Reconfiguration of existing docking facilities within an authorized marina area. No dredging, additional slips, clock spaces, or expansion of any kind within waters of the US. is authorized by this NWP, (Section 10) 29. Single-farnilvllousing. Discharges of dredged or fill material into non-tidal waters of the US, including non-tidal wetlands for the construction or expansion of a single-family home and attendant features (such as a garage, driveway, storage sited, and/or septic field) for an Individual Permittee provided that the activity meets all of the following criteria: a. The discharge does not cause the loss of more than '/,-acre of non-ticlal waters of the US, including lion-tidal wetlands; b. The permittee notifies the District Frigineer in accordance with the "Notification" General Condition; c. The permittee has taken all practicable actions to minimize the on- site and off-site impacts of the discharge. For example, the location of the home may need to be adjusted on- site to avoid flooding of adjacent property owners; cl. 'rho discharge is part of a single and complete project; furthermore, that for any subdivision created on or after November 22, 1991, the discharges, authorized under this NNVP may not exceed an aggregate total loss of waters of the US of '/,-acre for the entire subdivision; e. Xn individual may use this NWP only for a single-family home for a personal residence; f. This NWP may be used only once per parcel; g. This MVP may not he used in conjunction with NWP 14 or NNVP 18, for any parcel; and, h. Sufficient vegetated buffers must be maintained adjacent to all open water bodies, streams, etc., to preclude water quality degradation clue to erosion anti sedimentation. For the purposes of this NWP, the acreage of loss of waters of the US includes the filled area previously permitted, the proposed filled area, and any other waters of the US that are adversely affected by flooding, excavation, or drainage as a result of the project. This NWP authorizes activities only by individuals; for this purpose, the term "individual" refers to a natural person and/or a married couple, but does not include a corporation, partnership, or similar entity. For the purposes of this NW-P, a parcel of land is defined as "the entire contiguous quantity of land in possession of, recorded as property of, or owned (in any form of ownership, including land owned as a partner, corporation, joint tenant, etc.) by the same individual (and/or that individual's spouse), and comprises not only the area of wetlands sought to be filled, but also all land contiguous to those wetlands, owned by the individual (and/or that individual's spouse) in any form of ownership." (Sections 10 and 404) 30. Moist Soil Management for Wilcllife. Discharges of dredged or fill material and maintenance activities that are associated with moist soil nianagenient for wildlife performed on non-tidal Federally-owned or managed, state-owned or managed property, and local government agency-owned or managed property, for the purpose of continuing Ongoing, site-specific, wildlife management activities where soil manipulation is used to manage habitat and feeding areas for wildlife. Such activities include, but are not limited to: The repair, maintenance or replacement of existing water control structures; the repair or maintenance of dikes; and plowing or distill- to impecle successioi,, prepare seed beds, or establish fire breaks. Sufficient vegetated buffers must be maintained adjacent to all open water bodies, streams, etc., to preclude water quality degradation clue to erosion and sedimentation. This NWP does not authorize the construction of new dikes, roads, water control structures, etc. associated with the management areas. This NWP does not authorize converting wetlands to uplands, impoundments or other open water bodies. (Section 404) 31. Mointenarice of Existing Flood Control Facilities. Discharge of dredge or fill material resulting from activities associated with the maintenance of existing flood control facilities, including debris basins, retention/ detention basins, and channels that (i) were previously authorized by the Corps by Individual Permit, General Permit, by 33 CFR 330.3, or did not require a permit at the time it was constructed, or (ii) were constructed by the Corps and transferred to a non-Federal sponsor for operation and maintenance. Activities authorized by this MVP are limited to those resulting from maintenance activities that are conducted within the "maintenance baseline," as described in the definition below. Activities including the discharges of dredged or fill materials, associated with maintenance activities in flood control facilities in any watercourse that has previously been determined to be within the maintenance baseline, are authorized under this MVP, The MVP does not authorize the removal of sediment and associated vegetation from the natural water courses except to the extent that these have been included in the maintenance baseline. All dredged material must be placed in an upland site or an authorized disposal site in waters of the US, and proper siltation controls most be used. (Activities of any kind that result in only incidental fallback, or only the cutting and removing of vegetation above the ground, e.g., triowing, rotary cutting, and chainsawing, where the activity neither substantially disturbs the root system nor involves mechanized pushing, dragging, or other similar activities that redeposit excavated soil material, do not require a Section 40-1 permit in accordance with 33 CFR 323.2(d)(2)), Notification: After the maintenance baseline is established, and before any maintenance work iS Conducted, the: permittee must notify the District Engineer in accordance with the ''Notification" General Condition. The notification may be for activity-specific 2084 Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 15, 2002/Notices maintenance or for maintenance of the entire flood control facility by However, if one-time mitigation is required for impacts associated with activity subject to the terms and conditions of this NWP and the submitting a five year (or less) maintenance plan. maintenance activities, the District Engineer will not delay needed settlement agreement, including a specified completion date; or Maintenance Baseline: The maintenance baseline is a description of maintenance, provided the District Engineer and the permittee establish a (ii) The terms of a final Federal court decision consent decree or settlement the physical characteristics (e.g., depth, width, length, location, configuration, or schedule for identification, approval, development, construction and , , agreement resulting from an enforcement action brought by the U S design flood capacity, etc.) of a flood control project within which completion of any such required i i . . under section 404 of the CWA and/or maintenance activities are normally m t gation. Once the one-time mitigation described above has been section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899; or authorized by NWP 31, subject to any case-specific conditions required by the completed, or a determination made that mltigation is not required, no (iii) The terms of a final court decision, consent decree settlement District Engineer. The District Engineer will approve the maintenance baseline further mitigation will be required for i , agreement, or non-judicial settlement based on the approved or constructed ma ntenance activities within the maintenance baseline. In determining agreement resulting from a natural resource damage claim brought by a capacity of the flood control facility, whichever is smaller, including any appropriate mitigation, the District Engineer will give special consideration trustee or trustees for natural resources (as defined by the National Contingency areas where there are no constructed channels but which are art of the to natural water courses that have been i l d d Plan at 40 CFR subpart G) under section , p facility. If no evidence of the nc u e in the maintenance baseline and require compensatory mitigation 311 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), section 107 of the Comprehensive constructed capacity exist, the approved constructed capacity will be used. The and/or BMPs as appropriate. Emergency Situations: In emergency Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA or prospective permittee will provide documentation of the physical situations, this NWP may be used to authorize maintenance activities in Superfund), section 312 of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA) section characteristics of the flood control flood control facilities for which no , 1002 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 facility (which will normally consist of as-built or approved drawings) and maintenance baseline has been approved. Emergency situations are (OPA), or the Park System Resource Protection Act at 16 U.S.C. '19jj, to the documentation of the design capacities of the flood control facility. The those which would result in an unacceptable hazard to life, a significant extent that a Corps permit is required. For either (i), Cii) or (iii) above documentation will also include BMPs loss of property, or an immediate, , compliance is a condition of the NWP to ensure that the impacts to the aquatic unforeseen, and significant economic itself. Any authorization under this environment are minimal, especially in hardship if action is not taken before a NWP is automatically revoked if the maintenance areas where there are no maintenance baseline can be approved. permittee does not comply with the constructed channels. (The Corps may Ili such situations, the determination of terms of this NWP or the terms of the request maintenance records in areas where there has not been recent mitigation requirements, if any, may be deferred until the emergency has been court decision, consent decree, or judicial/non-judicial settlement maintenance.) Revocation or resolved. Once the emergency has agreement or fails to complete the work modification of the final determination ended, a maintenance baseline must be by the specified completion date. This of the maintenance baseline can only be established expeditiously, and NWP does not apply to any activities done in accordance with 33 CFR 330.5. mitigation, including mitigation for occurring after the date of the decision, Except in emergencies as described below this NWP can not be us d til maintenance conducted during the decree, or agreement that are not for the , e un the District Engineer approves the emergency, must be required as appropriate. (Sections 10 and 404) purpose of mitigation, restoration, or environmental benefit. Before reaching maintenance baseline and determines 32. Completed Enforcement Actions, any settlement agreement, the Corps the need for mitigation and any regional Any structure, work or discharge of will ensure compliance with the or activity-specific conditions. Once determined, the maintenance baseline dredged or fill material, remaining in place, or undertaken for mitigation provisions of 33 CFR part 326 and 33 GFR 330.6 (d)(2) and (e). (Sections 10 will remain valid for any subsequent , restoration, or environmental benefit in and 404) reissuance of this NWP. This permit compliance with either: 33. Temporary Construction, Access does not authorize maintenance of a (i) The terms of a final written Corps and Deivatering. Temporary structures, flood control facility that has been non-judicial settlement agreement work and discharges, including abandoned. A flood control facility will resolving a violation of section 404 of cofferdams, necessary for construction be considered abandoned if it has the CWA and/or section 10 of the Rivers activities or access fills or dewatering of operated at a significantly reduced and FIarbors Act of 1899; or the terms construction sites; provided that the capacity without needed maintenance of an EPA 309(a) order on consent associated primary activity is authorized tieing accomplished in a timely manner, resolving a violation of section 404 of by the Corps of Engineers or the USCG, Mitigation: The District Engineer will determine any required mitigation one- the CWr1, provided that: a. The unauthorized activity affected or for other construction activities not subject to the Corps or USCG time only for impacts associated with maintenance work at the same time that no more than 5 acres of non-tidal wetlands or I acre of tidal wetlands; regulations. Appropriate measures must be taken to maintain near normal the maintenance baseline is approved. b, The settlement agreement provides downstream flows and to minimize Such one-time mitigation will be for environmental benefits, to an equal flooding. Fill must be of materials, and required when necessary to ensure that adverse environment l i t or greater degree, than the placed in a manner, that will not be a mpac s are no more than minimal, both individually environmental detriments caused by the unauthorized activity that is authorized eroded by expected high flows. The use of dredged material may be allowed if and cumulatively. Such mitigation will only be required once for any specific by this NWP; and c. The District Engineer issues a it is determined by the District Engineer that it will not cause more than minimal reach of a flood control project. verification letter authorizing the adverse effects on aquatic resources. Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 10/Tuesday, January 15, 2002/Notices 20£35 "Temporary fill must be entirely removed to upland areas, or dredged material returned to its original location, following completion of the construction activity, and the affected areas must be restored to the pre-project conditions. Cofferdams cannot be used to dewater wetlands or other aquatic areas to change their use. Structures left in place after cofferdams are removed require a Section 10 permit if located in navigable waters of the U.S. (See 33 CFR part 322). The permittee must notify the District Engineer in accordance with the ''Notification" General Condition. The notification must also include a restoration plan of reasonable measures to avoid and minimize adverse effects to aquatic resources. The District Engineer will add Special Conditions, where necessary, to ensure environmental adverse effects is minimal. Such conditions may include: limiting the temporary work to the minimum necessary; requiring seasonal restrictions; modifying the restoration plan; and requiring alternative construction methods (e.g. construction mats in wetlands where practicable.). (Sections 10 and 404) 34. Cranberry Production Activities. Discharges of dredged or fill material for dikes, berms, pumps, water control structures or leveling of cranberry beds associated with expansion, enhancement, or modification activities at existing cranberry production operations provided that the activity meets all of the following criteria: a. The cumulative total acreage of disturbance per cranberry production operation, including but not limited to, filling, flooding, ditching, or clearing, does not exceed 10 acres of waters of the U.S., including wetlands; b. The permittee notifies the District Engineer in accordance with the ''Notification" General Condition. The notification must include a delineation of affected special aquatic sites, including wetlands; and, c. The activity does not result in a net loss of wetland acreage. This NWP does not authorize any discharge of dredged or fill material related to other cranberry production activities such as warehouses, processing facilities, or parking areas. For the purposes of this NWP, the cumulative total of 10 acres will be measured over the period that this NWl' is valid. (Section 404) 35. Maintenance Dredging of Existing Basins. Excavation and removal of accumulated sediment for maintenance of existing marina basins, access channels to marinas or boat slips, and boat slips to previously authorized depths or controlling depths for ingress/ egress, whichever is less, provided the dredged material is disposed of at an upland site and proper siltation controls are used. (Section 10) 36. Boat Romps. Activities required for the construction of boat ramps provided: a. The discharge into waters of the U.S. does not exceed 50 cubic yards of concrete, rock, crushed stone or gravel into forms, or placement of pre-cast concrete planks or slabs. (Unsuitable material that causes unacceptable chenii,cal pollution or is structurally unstable is not authorized); b. The boat ramp does not exceed 20 feet in width; c. The base material is crushed stone, gravel or other suitable material; d. The excavation is limited to the area necessary for site preparation and all excavated material is removed to the upland; and, e. No material is placed in special aquatic sites, including wetlands. Another NWP, Regional General Permit, or Individual Permit may authorize dredging to provide access to the boat ramp after obtaining a Section 10 if located in navigable waters of the U.S. (Sections 10 and 404) 37. Emergency Watershed Protection and Rehabilitation. Work done by or funded by: a. The NRCS which is a situation requiring immediate action under its emergency Watershed Protection Program (7 CFR part 624); or b. The USFS under its Burned-Area Emergency Rehabilitation Handbook (FSH 509.13); or c. The DO[ for wildland fire management burned area emergency stabilization and rehabilitation (DO[ Manual art 620, Ch. 3). For all of the above provisions, the District Engineer must be notified in accordance with the General Condition 13. (Also, see 33 CFR 330.1(e)). (Sections 10 and 404) 38. Cleanup of Hazardous and Toxic Waste. Specific activities required to effect the containment, stabilization, or removal of hazardous or toxic waste materials that are performed, ordered, or sponsored by a government agency with established legal or regulatory authority provided the permittee notifies the District Engineer in accordance with the "Notification" General Condition. For discharges in special aquatic sites, including wetlands, the notification must also include a delineation of affected special aquatic sites, including wetlands. Court ordered remedial action plans or related settlements are also authorized by this NWP. This NWl' does not authorize the establishment of new disposal sites or the expansion of existing sites used for the disposal of hazardous or toxic waste. Activities undertaken entirely on a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) site by authority of CERCLA as approved or required by EPA, are not required to obtain permits under section 404 of the CWA or section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. (Sections 10 and 404) 39. Residential, Commercial, and Institutional Developments. Discharges of dredged or fill material into non-tidal waters of the U.S., excluding non-tidal wetlands adjacent to tidal waters, for the construction or expansion of residential, commercial, and institutional building foundations and building pads and attendant features that are necessary for the use and maintenance of the structure's. Attendant features may include, but are not limited to, roads, parking lots, garages, yards, utility lines, stormwater management facilities, and recreation facilities such as playgrounds, playing fields, and golf courses (provided the golf course is an integral part of the residential development). The construction of new ski areas or oil and gas wells is not authorized by this NWP. Residential developments include multiple and single unit developments. Examples of commercial developments include retail stores, industrial facilities, restaurants, business parks, and shopping centers. Examples of institutional developments include schools, fire stations, government office buildings, judicial buildings, public works buildings, libraries, hospitals, and places of worship. The activities listed above are authorized, provided the activities meet all of the following criteria: a. The discharge does not cause the loss of greater than 1/2-acre of non-tidal waters of the U.S., excluding non-tidal wetlands adjacent to tidal waters; b. The discharge does not cause the loss of greater than 300 linear-feet of a stream bed, unless for intermittent stream beds this criterion is waived in writing pursuant to a determination by the District Engineer, as specified below, that the project complies with all terms and conditions of this MVP and that any adverse impacts of the project on the aquatic environment are minimal, both individually and cumulatively; c. The permittee must notify the District Engineer in accordance with General Condition 13, if any of the following criteria are met: (1) The discharge causes the loss of greater than Vio-acre of non-tidal waters of the US, excluding non-tidal wetlands adjacent to tidal waters; or 2086 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 15, 2002/Notices (2) The discharge causes the loss of any open waters, including perennial or intermittent streams, below the ordinary hi-li water mark (see Note, below); or N The discharge causes the loss of greater than 300 linear feet of intermittent stream bed. In such case, to be authorized the District Engineer must determine that the activity complies with the other terms and conditions of the NWP, determine adverse environmental effects are minimal both individually and cumulatively, and waive the limitation on stream impacts in writing before the permittee may proceed; d. For discharges in special aquatic sites, including wetlands, the notification must include a delineation of affected special aquatic sites; e. The discharge is part of a single and complete project; f. The permittee must avoid and minimize discharges into waters of the US at the project site to the maximum extent practicable: The notification, when required, must include a written statement explaining how avoidance and minimization of losses of waters of the US were achieved on the project site. Compensatory mitigation will normally be required to offset the losses of waters of the US. (See General Condition 19.) The notification must also include a compensatory mitigation proposal for offsetting unavoidable losses of waters of the US. If an applicant asserts that the adverse effects of the project are minimal without mitigation, then the applicant may submit justification explaining why compensatory mitigation should not be required for the District Engineer's consideration; g. When this NWP is used in conjunction with any other NWP, any combined total permanent loss of waters of the US exceeding 1Ao-acre requires that the permittee notify the District Engineer in accordance with General Condition 13; h. Any work authorized by this MVP must not cause more than minimal degradation of water quality or more than minimal changes to the flow characteristics of any stream (see General Conditions 9 and 21); i. For discharges causing the loss of 1/ro-acre or less of waters of the US, the permittee must submit a report, within i 30 days of completion of the work, to the District Engineer that contains the r following information: (1) The name, address, and telephone number of the perrnittee; (2) The location of the work; ti (3) A description of the work; (4) The v type and acreage of the loss of waters of i the LIS (e.g., 1A,-acre of emergent t wetlands); and (5) The type and acreage f of any compensatory mitigation used to offset the loss of waters of the US (e.g., Vi 2-acre of emergent wetlands created on-site); j. If there are any open waters or streams within the project area, the permittee will establish and maintain, to the maximum extent practicable, wetland or upland vegetated buffers next to those open waters or streams consistent with General Condition 19. Deed restrictions, conservation easements, protective covenants, or other means of land conservation and preservation are required to protect and maintain the vegetated buffers established on the project site. Only residential, commercial, and institutional activities with structures on the foundation(s) or building pad(s), as well as the attendant features, are authorized by this NWP. The compensatory mitigation proposal tliat is required in paragraph (e) of this NWP may be either conceptual or detailed. The wetland or upland vegetated buffer required in paragraph W of this NWP will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the District Engineer for addressing water quality concerns. The required wetland or upland vegetated buffer is part of the overall compensatory mitigation requirement for this NWP. If the project site was previously used for agricultural purposes and the farm owner/operator used MVP 40 to authorize activities in waters of the US to increase production or construct farm buildings, NWP 39 cannot be used by the developer to authorize additional activities. This is more than the acreage limit for NWP 39 impacts to waters of the US (i.e., the combined acreage loss authorized under NWPs 39 and 40 cannot exceed 1/2-acre, see General Condition 15). Subdivisions: For residential subdivisions, the aggregate total loss of waters of US authorized by NWP 39 can not exceed 1/2-acre. This includes any loss of waters associated with development of individual subdivision lots. (Sections 10 and 404) Note: Areas where wetland vegetation is not present should be determined by the presence or absence of an ordinary high water mark or bed and bank. Areas that are waters of the US based on this criterion would require a PCN although water is nfrequently present in the stream channel except for ephemeral waters, which do not equire PCNs). 40. Agricultural Activities. Discharges of dredged or fill material into non-tidal vaters of the US, excluding non-tidal vetlands adjacent to tidal waters, for r mproving agricultural production and he construction of building pads for arm buildings. Authorized activities c include the installation, placement, or construction of drainage tiles, ditches, or levees; mechanized land clearing; land leveling; the relocation of existing serviceable drainage ditches constructed in waters of the US; and similar activities, provided the permittee complies with the following terms and conditions: a. For discharges into non-ticial wetlands to improve agricultural production, the following criteria must be met if the permittee is an United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Program participant: (1) The perrnittee must obtain a categorical minimal effects exemption, minimal effect exemption, or mitigation exemption from NRCS in accordance with the provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended (16 U.S.C. 3801 et seq.); (2) The discharge into non-tidal wetlands does not result in the loss of greater than 1/2-acre of non-tidal wetlands on a farm tract; (3) The permittee must have NRCS- certified wetland delineation; (4) The permittee must implement an NRCS-approved compensatory mitigation plan that fully offsets wetland losses, if required; and (5) The permittee must submit a report, within 30 days of completion of the authorized work, to the District Engineer that contains the following information: (a) The name, address, and telephone number of the permittee; (b) The location of the work; (c) A description of the work; (d) The type and acreage (or square feet) of the loss of wetlands (e.g., 1/3-acre of emergent wetlands); and (e) The type, acreage (or square feet), and location of compensatory mitigation (e.g. 1/3-acre of emergent wetland on a farm tract; credits purchased from a mitigation bank); or b. For discharges into non-tidal wetlands to improve agricultural production, the following criteria most be met if the permittee is not a USDA Program participant (or a USDA Program participant for which the proposed work does not qualify for authorization under paragraph (a) of this MVP): (1) The discharge into non-tidal wetlands does not result in the loss of greater than 1/z-acre of non-tidal wetlands on a farm tract; (2) The permittee must notify tine District Engineer in accordance with General Condition 13, if the discharge esttlts in the loss of greater than 1/10- rcre of non-ticial wetlands; (3) The notification must include a lelineation of affected wetlands; and Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 10/Tuesday, January 15, 2002/Notices 2087 (4) The notification must include a compensatory mitigation proposal to offset losses of waters of the US; or c. For the construction of building pads for farm buildings, the discharge does not cause the loss of greater than a/z-acre of non-tidal wetlands that were in agricultural production prior to December 23, 1985, (i.e., farmed wetlands) and the permittee must notify the District Engineer in accordance with General Condition 13; and d. Any activity in other waters of the US is limited to the relocation of existing serviceable drainage ditches constructed in non-tidal streams. This NWP does not authorize the relocation of greater than 300 linear-feet of existing serviceable drainage ditches constructed in non-tidal streams unless, for drainage ditches constructed in intermittent non- tidal streams, the District Engineer waives this criterion in writing, and the District Engineer has determined that the project complies with all terms and conditions of this NWP, and that any adverse impacts of the project on the aquatic environment are minimal, both individually and cumulatively. For impacts exceeding 300-linear feet of impacts to existing serviceable ditches constructed in intermittent non-tidal streams, the permittee must notify the District Engineer in accordance with the "Notification" General Condition 13; and e. The term "farm tract" refers to a parcel of land identified by the Farm Service Agency. The Corps will identify other waters of the US on the farm tract. NRCS will determine if a proposed agricultural activity meets the terms and conditions of paragraph a. of this NWP, except as provided below. For those activities that require notification, the District Engineer will determine if a proposed agricultural activity is authorized by paragraphs b., c., and/or d. of this NWP. USDA Program participants, requesting authorization for discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the US authorized by paragraphs (c) or (d) of this NWP, in addition to paragraph (a), must notify the District Engineer in accordance with General Condition 13 and the District Engineer will determine if the entire single and complete project is authorized by this NWP. Discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the US associated with completing required compensatory mitigation are authorized by this NWP. However, total impacts, including other authorized impacts under this NMI, may not exceed the'/-acre limit of this NWP. This NWP does not affect, or otherwise regulate, discharges associated with agricultural activities when the discharge qualifies for an exemption under section 404(f) of the MA, even though a categorical minimal effects exemption, minimal effect exemption, or mitigation exemption from NRCS pursuant to the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended, may be required. Activities authorized by paragraphs a. through d. may not exceed a total of 112- acre on a single farm tract. If the site was used for agricultural purposes and the farm owner/operator used either paragraphs a., b., or c. of this NWP to authorize activities in waters of the US to increase agricultural production or construct farm buildings, and the current landowner wants to use NVVP 39 to authorize residential, commercial, or industrial development activities in waters of the US on the site, the combined acreage loss authorized by NWPs 39 and 40 cannot exceed 1/2-acre (see General Condition 15). (Section 404) 41. Reshaping Fxisting Drainage Ditches. Discharges of dredged or fill material into non-tidal waters of the US, excluding non-tidal wetlands adjacent to tidal waters, to modify the cross- sectional configuration of currently serviceable drainage ditches constructed in waters of the US. The reshaping of the ditch cannot increase drainage capacity beyond the original design capacity. Nor can it expand the area drained by the ditch as originally designed (i.e., the capacity of the ditch must be the same as originally designed and it cannot drain additional wetlands or other waters of the US). Compensatory mitigation is not required because the work is designed to improve water quality (e.g., by regrading the drainage ditch with gentler slopes, which can reduce erosion, increase growth of vegetation, increase uptake of nutrients and other substances by vegetation, etc.). Notification: The permittee must notify the District Engineer in accordance with General Condition 13 if greater than 500 linear feet of drainage ditch will be reshaped. Material resulting from excavation may not be permanently sidecast into waters but may be temporarily sidecast (up to three months) into waters of the US, provided the material is not placed in such a manner that it is dispersed by currents or other forces. The District Engineer may extend the period of temporary sidecastin" not to exceed a total of 180 days, where appropriate. In general, this NWP does not apply to reshaping drainage ditches constructed in uplands, since these areas are generally not waters of the US, and thus no permit from the Corps is required, or to the maintenance of existing drainage ditches to their original dimensions and configuration, which does not require a section 404 permit (see 33 CFR 323.4(a)(3)). This MVP does not authorize the relocation of drainage ditches constructed in waters of the US; the location of the centerline of the reshaped drainage ditch must be approximately the same as the location of the centerline of the original drainage ditch. This MVP does not authorize stream channelization or stream relocation projects. (Section 404) 42. Recreational Facilities. Discharges of dredged or fill material into non-tidal waters of the US, excluding non-tidal wetlands adjacent to tidal waters, for the construction or expansion of recreational facilities, provided the activity meets all of the following criteria: a, The discharge does not cause the loss of greater than 1/z-acre of non-tidal waters of the US, excluding non-tidal wetlands adjacent to tidal waters; b. The discharge does not cause the loss of greater than 300 linear-feet of a stream bed, unless for intermittent stream beds this criterion is waived in writing pursuant to a determination by the District Engineer, as specified below, that the project complies with all terms and conditions of this NWP and that any adverse impacts of the project on the aquatic environment are minimal, both individually and cumulatively; c. The permittee notifies the District Engineer in accordance with the "Notification" General Condition 13 for discharges exceeding 300 linear feet of impact of intermittent stream beds. In such cases, to be authorized the District Engineer must determine that the activity complies with the other terms and conditions of the NWP, determine the adverse environmental effects are minimal both individually and cumulatively, and waive this limitation in writing before the permittee may proceed; d. For discharges causing the loss of greater than 1/1o-acre of non-tidal waters of the US, the permittee notifies the District Engineer in accordance with General Condition 13; a. Fbr dischar;es in special aquatic: sites, including wetlands, the notification must include a delineation of affected special aquatic sites; f. The discharge is part of a single and complete project; and g. Compensatory mitigation will normally be required to offset the losses of waters of the US. The notification must also include a compensatory mitigation proposal to offset authorized losses of waters of the US. 2088 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 10 /'I'uesday, January 15, 2002/Notices For the purposes of this NWP, the terra "recreational facility" is defined as a recreational activity that is integrated into the natural landscape and does not substantially change preconstruction grades or deviate from natural landscap contours. For the purpose of this permit the primary function of recreational facilities does not include the use of motor vehicles, buildings, or impervious surfaces, Examples of recreational facilities that may be authorized by this NWP include hiking trails, bike paths, horse paths, nature centers, and campgrounds (excluding trailer parks). This NWP may authorize the construction or expansion of golf courses and the expansion of ski areas, provided the golf course or ski area does not substantially deviate from natural landscape contours. Additionally, these activities are designed to minimize adverse effects to waters of the US and riparian areas through the use of such practices as integrated pest management, adequate stormwater management facilities, vegetated buffers, reduced fertilizer use, etc. The facility must have an adequate water quality management plan in accordance with General Condition 9, such as a stormwater management facility, to ensure that the recreational facility results in no substantial adverse effects to water quality. This NWP also authorizes the construction or expansion of small support facilities, such as maintenance and storage buildings and stables that are directly related to the recreational activity. This NWP does not authorize other buildings, such as hotels, restaurants, etc. The construction or expansion of playing fields (e.g., baseball, soccer, or football fields), basketball and tennis courts, racetracks, stadiums, arenas, and the construction of new ski areas are not authorized by this NWP. (Section 404) 43. Stormlvater Management Facilities. Discharges of dredged or fill material into non-tidal waters of the US, excluding non-tidal wetlands adjacent to tidal waters, for the construction and maintenance of stormwater management facilities, including activities for the excavation of stormwater ponds/ facilities, detention basins, aril retention hasins; the installation and maintenance of water control structures, outfall structures and emergency spillways; aril the maintenance dredging of existing stormwater management ponds/facilities and detention and retention basins, provided the activity meets all of the following criteria: a. The discharge for the construction of new stormwater management facilities does not cause the loss of greater than 1h-acre of non-tictal waters s of the US, excluding non-tidal wetland, ad cent to tidal waters; b. The discharge does not cause the loss of greater than 300 linear-feet of a e stream bed, unless for intermittent stream beds this criterion is waived in writing pursuant to a determination by the District Engineer, as specified s below, that the project complies with all terms and conditions of this NWP and that any adverse impacts of the project on the aquatic environment are minimal, both individually and cumulatively; c. For discharges causing the toss of greater than 300 linear feet of intermittent stream beds, the permittee notifies the District Engineer in accordance with the "Notification" General Condition 13. In such cases, to be authorized the District Engineer must determine that the activity complies with the other terms and conditions of the NWP, determine the adverse environmental effects are minimal both individually and cumulatively, and waive this limitation in writing before the permittee may proceed; d. The discharges of dredged or fill material for the construction of new stormwater management facilities in perennial streams is not authorized; e. For discharges or excavation for the construction of new stormwater management facilities or for the maintenance of existing stormwater management facilities causing the toss of greater than 1/lo-acre of non-tidal waters, excluding non-tidal wetlands adjacent to tidal waters, provided the perrnittee notifies the District Engineer in accordance with the "Notification" General Condition 13. In addition, the notification must include: (1) A maintenance plan. The maintenance plan should be in accordance with state and local requirements, if any such requirements exist; (2) For discharges in special aquatic sites, including wetlands and submerged aquatic vegetation, the notification must include a delineation of affected areas; and (3) A compensatory mitigation proposal that offsets the loss of waters of the US. Maintenance in constructed areas will not require mitigation provided such maintenance is accomplished in designated maintenance areas and not within compensatory mitigation areas (i.e., District Engineers may designate non- maintenance areas, normally at the downstream end of the stormwater management facility, in existing stormwater management facilities). (No mitigation will be required for activities that are exempt from Section 404 permit s requirements); f. The perrnittee must avoid and minimize discharges into waters of the US at the project site to the maximum extent practicable, and the notification must include a written statement to the District Engineer detailing compliance with this condition (i.e. why the discharge must occur in waters of the US and why additional minimization cannot be achieved); g. The stormwater management facility must comply with General Condition 21 and be designed using BMPs and watershed protection techniques. Examples may include forebays (deeper areas at the upstream end of the stormwater management facility that would be maintained through excavation), vegetated buffers, and siting considerations to minimize adverse effects to aquatic resources. Another example of a BMP would be bioengineering methods incorporated into the facility design to benefit water quality and minimize adverse effects to aquatic resources from storm flows, especially downstream of the facility, that provide, to the maximum extent practicable, for long term aquatic resource protection and enhancement; h. Maintenance excavation will be in accordance with an approved maintenance plan and will not exceed the original contours of the facility as approved and constructed; and i. The discharge is part of a single and complete project. (Section 404) 44. Mining Activities. Discharges of dredged or fill material into: (f) Isolated waters; streams where the annual average flow is 1 cubic foot per second or less, and non-tidal wetlands adjacent to headwater streams, for aggregate Inining (i.e., sand, gravel, and crushed and broken stone) and associated support activities; (ii) Lower perennial streams, excluding wetlands adjacent to lower perennial streams, for aggregate mining activities (support activities in lower perennial streams or adjacent wetlands are not authorized by this NWP); and/ or (iii) Isolated waters and non-tidal wetlands adjacent to headwater streams, for hard rock/mineral mining activities (i.e., extraction of metalliferous ores from subsurface locations) and associated support activities, provided the discharge meets the following criteria: a. The mined area within waters of the US, plus the acreage loss of waters of the US resulting from support activities, cannot exceed '/a-acre; b. The permittee must avoid and minimize cischarges into waters of the Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 10/Tuesday, January 15, 2002/Notices 2089 US at the project site to the maximum extent practicable, and the notification must include a written statement detailing compliance with this condition (i.e., why the discharge trust occur in waters of the US and why additional minimization cannot be achieved); c. In addition to General Conditions 17 and 20, activities authorized by this permit must not substantially alter the sediment characteristics of areas of concentrated shellfish beds or fish spawning areas. Normally, the mandated water quality management plan should address these impacts; d. The permittee must implement necessary measures to prevent increases in stream gradient and water velocities and to prevent adverse effects (e.g., head cutting, bank erosion) to upstream and downstream channel conditions; e. Activities authorized by this permit must not result in adverse effects oil the course, capacity, or condition of navigable waters of the US; f. The permittee must use measures to minimize downstream turbidity; g. Wetland impacts must be compensated through mitigation aph. pproved by the Corps; Beneficiation and mineral processing for hard rock/mineral mining activities may not occur within 200 feet of the ordinary high water mark of any open waterbody. Although the Corps does not regulate discharges from these activities, a CWA section 402 permit may be required; i. All activities authorized must comply with General Conditions 9 and 21. Further, the District Engineer may require modifications to the required water quality management plan to ensure that the authorized work results in minimal adverse effects to water quality; j. Except for aggregate mining activities in lower perennial streams, no aggregate training can occur within stream beds where the average annual flow is greater than 1 cubic foot per second or in waters of the US within 100 feet of the ordinary high water mark of headwater stream segments where the average annual flow of the stream is greater than 1 cubic foot per second (aggregate mining can occur in areas inunediately adjacent to the ordinary high water mark of a stream where the average annual flow is 1 cubic foot per second or less); k. Single and complete project: The discharge must be for a single and complete project, including support activities. Discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the US for multiple mining activities on several designated parcels of it single and complete mining operation can be authorized by this NWP provided the 1/2-acre limit is not exceeded; and I. Notification: The permittee must notify the District Engineer in accordance with General Condition 13. The notification must include: (1) A description of waters of the US adversely affected by the project; (2) A written statement to the District Engineer detailing compliance with paragraph (b), above (i.e., why the discharge must occur in waters of the US and why additional minimization cannot be achieved); (3) A description of measures taken to ensure that the proposed work complies with paragraphs (c) through (f), above; and (4) A reclamation plan (for aggregate mining in isolated waters and non-tidal wetlands adjacent to headwaters and hard rock/mineral mining only). This NWP does not authorize hard rock/mineral mining, including placer mining, in streams. No hard rock/ mineral mining can occur in waters of the US within 100 feet of the ordinary high water mark of headwater streams. The term's "headwaters" and "isolated waters" are defined at 33 CFR 330.2(d) and (e), respectively. For the purposes of this NWP, the term "lower perennial stream" is defined as follows: "A stream in which the gradient is low and water velocity is slow, there is no tidal influence, some water flows throughout the year, and the substrate consists mainly of sand and mud." (Sections 10 and 404) C. Nationwide Permit General Conditions The following General Conditions must be followed in order for any authorization by an NWP to be valid: 1. Navigation. No activity may cause more than a minimal adverse effect on navigation. 2. Proper Maintenance. Any structure or fill authorized shall be properly maintained, including maintenance to ensure public safety. 3. Soil Erosion and Sediment Controls. Appropriate soil erosion and sediment controls must be used and maintained in effective operating condition during construction, and all exposed soil and other fills, as well as any work below the ordinary high water mark or high tide line, must be permanently stabilized at the earliest practicable clate. Permittees are encouraged to perform work within waters of the United States cluring periods of low-flow or no-flow. 4. Aquatic Life Movements. No activity may substantially disrupt the necessary life-cycle movements of those species of aquatic life indigenous to the waterbody, including those species that normally migrate through the area, unless the activity's primary purpose is to impouud water. Culverts placed in streams must be installed to maintain low flow conditions. 5. Equipment. Heavy equipment working in wetlands must be placed on mats, or other measures must be taken to minimize soil disturbance. 6. Regional and Case-Bv-Case Conditions. The activity must comply with any regional conditions that may have been added by the Division Engineer (see 33 CFR 330A(e)). Additionally, any case specific conditions added by the Corps or by the state or tribe in its Section 401 Water Quality Certification and Coastal Zone Management Act consistency determination. 7. Wild and Scenic Rivers. No activity may occur in a component of the National Wild and Scenic River System; or in a river officially designated by Congress as a "study river" for possible inclusion in the system, while the river is in an official study status; unless the appropriate Federal agency, with direct management responsibility for such river, has determined in writing that the proposed activity will not adversely affect the Wild and Scenic River designation, or study status. Information on Wild and Scenic Rivers may be obtained from the appropriate Federal land management agency in the area (e.g., National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 8. Tribal Rights. No activity or its operation may impair reserved tribal rights, including, but not limited to, reserved water rights and treaty fishing and hunting rights. 9. Water Quality. (a) In certain states and tribal lands an individual 401 Water Quality Certification must be obtained or waived (See 33 CFR 330.4(c)). (h) For NWI's 12, 14, 17, 18, 32, 39, 40, 42, 43, and 44, where the state or tribal 401 certification (either generically or individually) does not require or approve water quality management measures, the permittee must provide water quality management measures that will ensure that the authorized work does not result in more than minimal degradation of water quality (or the Corps determines that compliance with state or local standards, where applicable, will ensure no more than minimal adverse effect on water quality). An important component of water quality management includes stornt?vater management that minimizes degradation of the downstream aquatic system, including water quality (refer to General Condition 21 for storinwater 2090 Federal Register/Vol. (37, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 15, 2002/Notices management requirements). Another important component of water quality management is the establishment and maintenance of vegetated buffers next to open waters, including streams (refer to General Condition 19 for vegetated buffer requirements for the NWPs). This condition is only applicable to projects that have the potential to affect water quality. While appropriate measures must be taken, ill most cases it is not necessary to conduct detailed studies to identify such measures or to require monitoring. 10. Coastal Zone Management. In certain states, an individual state coastal zone management consistency concurrence must be obtained or waived (see Section 330.4(d)). 11. Endangered Species. (a) No activity is authorized under any NWP which is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a threatened or endangered species or a species proposed for such designation, as identified under the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), or which will destroy or adversely modify the critical habitat of such species. Non-federal permittees shall notify the District Engineer if any listed species or designated critical habitat might be affected or is in the vicinity of the project, or is located in the designated critical habitat and shall not begin work on the activity until notified by the District Engineer that the requirements of the ESA have been satisfied and that the activity is authorized. For activities that may affect Federally-listed endangered or threatened species or designated critical habitat, the notification must include the name(s) of the endangered or threatened species that may be affected by the proposed work or that utilize the designated critical habitat that may be affected by the proposed work. As a result of formal or informal consultation with the FWS or NMFS the District Engineer may add species-specific regional endangered species conditions to the NWPs. (b) Authorization of an activity by a NWP does not authorize the "take" of a threatened or endangered species as defined under the ESA. In the absence of separate authorization (e.g., an ESA Section 10 Permit, a Biological Opinion with "incidental take" provisions, etc.) from the USFWS or the NMFS, both lethal and non-lethal "takes" of protected species are in violation of the ESA. Information on the location of threatened and endangered species and their critical habitat can be obtained directly from the offices of the USFWS and NMFS or their world wide web pages at http://wrv?v.fws.gov/r9endspp/ I endspp.htrnl and http:11lvwi,v.nfms.gov1 prot_res/esohome.html respectively. 12. Historic Properties. No activity which may affect historic properties listed, or eligible for listing, in the National Register of I Iistoric Places is authorized, until the District Engineer has complied with the provisions of 33 CFR part 325, Appendix C. The prospective permittee must notify the District Engineer if the authorized activity may affect any historic propetties listed, determined to be eligible, or which the prospective permittee has reason to believe may be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, and shall not begin the activity until notified by the District Engineer that the requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act have been satisfied and that the activity is authorized. Information on the location and existence of historic resources can be obtained from the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Register of Historic Places (see 33 CFR 330.4(g)). For activities that may affect historic properties listed in, or eligible for listing in, the National Register of Historic Places, the notification must state which historic property may be affected by the proposed work or include a vicinity map indicating the location of the historic property. 13. Notification. (a) Timing; where required by the terms of the NWP, the prospective permittee must notify the District Engineer with a preconstruction notification (PCN) as early as possible. The District Engineer must determine if the notification is complete within 30 days of the date of receipt and can request additional information necessary to make the PCN complete only once. However, if the prospective permittee does not provide all of the requested information, then the District Engineer will notify the prospective permittee that the notification is still incomplete and the PCN review process will not commence until all of the requested information has been received by the District Engineer. The prospective permittee shall not begin the activity: (1) Until notified in writing by the District Engineer that the activity may proceed under the NWP with any special conditions imposed by the District or Division Engineer; or (2) If notified in writing by the District or Division Engineer that an Individual Permit is required; or (3) Unless 45 days have passed from the District Engineer's receipt of the complete notification and the )rospective permittee has not received written notice from the District or Division Engineer. Subsequently, the perinittec's right to proceed under the NWI' may be modified, suspended, or revoked only in accordance with the procedure set forth in 33 CFR 330.5(4)(2). (b) Contents of Notification: The notification must be in writing and include the following information: (1) Name, address and telephone numbers of the prospective permittee; (2) Location of the proposed project; (3) Brief description of the proposed project; the project's purpose; direct and indirect adverse environmental effects the project would cause; any other NWP(s), Regional General Permit(s), or Individual Permit(s) used or intended to be used to authorize any part of the proposed project or any related activity. Sketches should be provided when necessary to show that the activity complies with the terms of the NWP (Sketches usually clarify the project and when provided result in a quicker decision.); (4) For NWPs 7, 12, 14, 18, 21, 34, 38, 39, 41, 42, and 43, the PCN must also include a delineation of affected special aquatic sites, including wetlands, vegetated shallows (e.g., submerged aquatic vegetation, seagrass beds), and riffle and pool complexes (see paragraph 13(0); (5) For NWP 7 (Outfall Structures and Maintenarice), the PCN must include information regarding the original design capacities and configurations of those areas of the facility where maintenance dredging or excavation is proposed; (6) For NWP 14 (Linear Transportation Crossings), the PCN must include a compensatory mitigation proposal to offset permanent losses of waters of the US and a statement describing how temporary losses of waters of the US will be minimized to the maximum extent practicable; (7) For NWP 21 (Surface Coal Mining Activities), the PCN must include an Office of Surface Mining (OSM) or state- approved mitigation plan, if applicable. To be authorized by this NWP, the District Engineer trust determine that the activity complies with the terms and conditions of the NWI' and that the adverse environmental effects are minimal both individually and cumulatively and must notify the project sponsor of this determination in writing; (8) For NWP 27 (Stream and Wetland Restoration), the PCN must include documentation of the prior condition of the site that will he reverted by the permittee; Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 10/Tuesday, January 15, 2002/Notices 2091 (9) For NWP 29 (Single-Family Housing), the PCN must also include: waters of the US or justification explaining why com ensator affected by the proposed work or utilize h d (i) Any past use of this NWP by the Individual Perrnittee a d/ th p y mitigation should not he required. For t e esignated critical habitat that may be affected by the proposed work; and n or e permittee's spouse; (ii) A statement that the single-famil cischarges that cause the loss of greater than 300 linear feet of an intermittent b (18) For activities that may affect historic properties listed in, or eligible y housing activity is for a personal stream ed, to be authorized, the Distric Engineer must determine that the t for listing in, the National Register of Historic Places the PCN t t residence of tyre permittee; (iii) A description of the entire parcel, activity complies with the other teems and conditions of the NWP d , mus s ate which historic property may be affected b including its size, and a delineation of wetlands. For the pur ose of this NWP , etermine adverse environmental effects are y the proposed work or include a vicinity map indicating the location of p , parcels of land measuring IA-acre or less will not require a formal on-site minimal both individually and cumulatively, and waive the limitation the historic property. (c) Form of Notification: The standard delineation. However, the applicant on stream impacts in writing before the it Individual Permit application form shall provide an indication of where the perm tee may proceed; (14) For NWP 40 (Agricultural (Form ENG 4345) may be used as the notification but must clearly indicate wetlands are and the amount of wetlands that exists on the property For Activities), the PCN must include a com e t i i that it is a PCN and must include all of . parcels greater than 1/4-acre in size, p nsa ory m t gation proposal to offset losses of waters of the US. This the information required in (b) (1)-(18) of General Condition 13 A lett formal wetland delineation must be prepared in accordance with the current NWP does not authorize the relocation of greater than 300 linear-feet of existing . er containing the requisite information may also be used method required by the Corps. (See serviceable drainage ditches constructed . (d) District Engineer's Decision: In paragraph 13(f)); (iv) A written description of all land in non-tidal streams unless, for drainage ditches constructed in intermittent rion- reviewing the PCN for the proposed activity, the District En ineer will (including, if available, legal descriptions) owned by the ros ective tidal streams, the District Engineer w i thi i g determine whether the activity p p permittee and/or the prospective ' ves a s cr terion in writing, and the District Engineer has determined that authorized by the NWP will result in more than minimal individual or permittee s spouse, within a one mile radius of the parcel, in any form of the project complies with all terms and conditions of this NWP, and that any cumulative adverse environmental effects or may be contrary to the public ownership (including any land owned adverse impacts of the project on the interest. The prospective permittee may as a partner, corporation, joint tenant, aquatic environment are minimal, both submit a proposed mitigation plan with co-tenant, or as a tenant-by- the-entirety) and any land on which a purchase and individually and cumulatively; (15) For NWP 43 (Storrnwater the PCN to expedite the process. The District Engineer will consider a sale agreement or other contract for sale Management Facilities), the PCN must ny proposed compensatory mitigation the or purchase has been executed; (10) For NWP 31 (Maintenance of include, for the construction of new stormwater management facilities, a applicant has included in the proposal in determining whether the net adverse Existing Flood Control Projects), the maintenance plan (in accordance with environmental effects to the aquatic prospective permittee must either notify h state and local requirements, if environment of the proposed work are t e District Engineer with a PCN prior applicable) and a compensatory minimal. If the District Engineer to each maintenance activity or submit mitigation proposal to offset losses of determines that the activity complies a five year (or less) maintenance plan. waters of the US. For discharges that with the terms and conditions of the In addition, the PCN must include all of cause the loss of greater than 300 linear NWP and that the adverse effects on the the following: (i) Sufficient baseline information feet of an intermittent stream bed, to be authorized, the District Engineer must aquatic environment are minimal, after considering riuiti ation the Di t i t identifying the approved channel depths and configurations and existing determine hat the activity complies with the other terms and conditions of g , s r c Engineer will notify the permittee and include any conditions the District facilities. Minor deviations are authorized, provided the approved flood the NWP, determine adverse environmental effects are minimal both Engineer deems necessary. The District Engineer must approve any control protection or drainage is not increased individually and cumulatively, and i h compensatory mitigation proposal ; (ii) A delineation of any affected wa ve t e limitation on stream impacts in writing before the permittee may before the permittee commences work. If the prospective permittee is required special aquatic sites, including proceed; to submit a compensatory mitigation wetlands; and, (iii) Location of the dredged material (16) For NWl' 44 (Mining Activities), the PCN must include a description of proposal with the PCN, the proposal may be either conceptual or detailed If disposal site; (11) For NWP 33 (Temporary all waters of the US adversely affected by the project, a description of measures . the prospective permittee elects to submit a compensatory mitigation lan Construction, Access, and Dewaterind the PCN must also include a restoration taken to minimize adverse effects to waters of the US, a description of p with the PCN, the District Engineer will expeditiously review the proposed plan of reasonable measures to avoid end minimize adverse effects to aquatic measures taken to comply with the criteria of tine NWP, and a reclamation compensatory mitigation plan. The District Engineer must review the lan resources; (12) For NWl's 39, 43 and 44, the PCN plan (for all aggregate mining activities in isolated waters and non-tidal p within 45 clays of receiving a complete PCN and determine whether the must also include a written statement to the District Engineer ex lainin w h wetlands adjacent to headwaters and h d conceptual or specific proposed p g o avoidance and minimization for losses any ar rock/mineral mining activities); mitigation would ensure no more than nrininral adverse effe t th i of waters of the US were achieved on the project site (17) For activities that may adversely ff c s on e aquat c environment. If the net adverse effects ; (13) For NWI' 39 and NWP 42, the a ect Federally-listed endangered or threatened species the PCN m t of the project on the aquatic PCN must include a compensatory iti i , us include the name(s) of those encangered environment (after consideration of the compensatory mitigation proposal) are m gat on proposal to offset losses of or threatened species that may be determined by the District Engineer to :; 2092 Federal Register/Vol, 67, No. 10/Tuesday, )anuarv 15. 2002/ NntirPs be minimal, the District Engineer will provide a timely written response to th the applicant. The response will state that the project can proceed under the terms and conditions of the NWP. If the District Engineer determines that the adverse effects of the proposed work are more than minimal, then the District Engineer will notify the applicant either: (1) That the project does not qualify for authorization under the NWP and instruct the applicant on the procedures to seek authorization under an Individual Permit; (2) that the project is authorized under the NWP subject to the applicant's submission of a mitigation proposal that would reduce the adverse effects on the aquatic environment to the minimal level; or (3) that the project is authorized under the NWP with specific modifications or conditions. Where the District Engineer determines that mitigation is required to ensure no more than minimal adverse effects occur to the aquatic environment, the activity will be authorized within the 45-day PCN period. The authorization will include the necessary conceptual or specific mitigation or a requirement that the applicant submit a mitigation proposal that would reduce the adverse effects on the aquatic environment to the minimal level. When conceptual mitigation is included, or a mitigation plan is required under item (2) above, no work in waters of the US will occur until the District Engineer has approved a specific mitigation plan. (e) Agency Coordination: The District Engineer will consider any comments from Federal and state agencies concerning the proposed activity's compliance with the terms and conditions of the NWPs and the need for mitigation to reduce the project's adverse environmental effects to a minimal level. , For activities requiring notification to the District Engineer that result in the loss of greater than 1/2-acre of waters of the US, the District Engineer will provide immediately (e.g., via facsimile transmission, overnight mail, or other expeditious manner) a copy to the appropriate Federal or state offices (USF'WS, state natural resource or water quality agency, EPA, State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), and, if appropriate, the NMFS). With the exception of NWP 37, these agencies will then have 10 calendar days from the date the material is transmitted to telephone or fax the District Engineer notice that they intend to provide substantive, site-specific comments. If so contacted by an agelicy, the District Engineer will wait an additional 15 calendar days before making a decision on the notification. The District Engineer will fully consider agency comments received within the specified time frame, but will provide no response to the resource agency, except as provided below. The District Engineer will indicate in the administrative record associated with each notification that the resource agencies' concerns were considered. As required by section 305(b)(4)(13) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the District Engineer will provide a response to NMFS within 30 days of receipt of any Essential Fish Habitat conservation recommendations. Applicants are encouraged to provide the Corps multiple copies of notifications to expedite agency notification. (f) Wetland Delineations: Wetland delineations must be prepared in accordance with the current method required by the Corps (For NWP 29 see paragraph (b)(9)(iii) for parcels less than (1/,-acre in size). The permittee may ask the Corps to delineate the special aquatic site. There may be some delay if the Corps does the delineation. Furthermore, the 45-day period will not start until the wetland delineation has been completed and submitted to the Corps, where appropriate. 14. Compliance Certification. Every permittee who has received NWP verification from the Corps will submit a signed certification regarding the completed work and any required mitigation. The certification will be forwarded by the Corps with the authorization letter and will include: (a) A statement that the authorized work was done in accordance with the Corps authorization, including any general or specific conditions; (b) A statement that any required mitigation was completed in accordance with the permit conditions; and (c) The signature of the permittee certifying the completion of the work and mitigation. 15. Use of Multiple Nationwide Permits. The use of more than one NWP for a single and complete project is prohibited, except when the acreage loss of waters of the US authorized by the NWPs does not exceed the acreage limit of the NWP with the highest specified acreage limit (e,g, if a road crossing over tidal waters is constructed under NWP 14, with associated bank stabilization authorized by NWP 13, the maximum acreage loss of waters of the US for the total project cannot exceed 1h-acre). 16. Water Supply Intakes. No activity, including structures and work in navigable waters of the US or discharges of dredged or fill material, may occur in the proximity of a public water supply intake except where the activity is for l repair of the public water supply intake structures or adjacent bank stabilization. 17. Shellfish Beds. No activity, including structures and work in navigable waters of the US or discharges of dredged or fill material, may occur in areas of concentrated shellfish populations, unless the activity is directly related to a shellfish harvesting activity authorized by NWP 4. 18. Suitable Material. No activity, including structures and work in navigable waters of the US or discharges of dredged or fill material, may consist of unsuitable material (e.g., trash, debris, car bodies, asphalt, etc.) and material used for construction or discharged must be free front toxic pollutants in toxic amounts (see section 307 of the CWA). 19. Mitigation. The District Engineer will consider the factors discussed below when determining the acceptability of appropriate and practicable mitigation necessary to offset adverse effects on the aquatic environment that are more than minimal. (a) The project must be designed and constructed to avoid and minimize adverse effects to waters of the US to the maximum extent practicable at the project site (i.e„ on site). (b) Mitigation in all its forms (avoiding, minimizing, rectifying, reducing or compensating) will be required to the extent necessary to ensure that the adverse effects to the aquatic environment are minimal. (c) Compensatory mitigation at a rninimum one-for-one ratio will be required for all wetland impacts requiring a PCN, unless the District Engineer determines in writing that some other form of mitigation would be more environmentally appropriate and provides a project-specific waiver of this requirement. Consistent with National policy, the District Engineer will establish a preference for restoration of wetlands as compensatory mitigation, with preservation used only in exceptional circumstances. (d) Compensatory mitigation (i.e., replacement or substitution of aquatic resources for those impacted) will not be used to increase the acreage losses allowed by the acreage limits of some of the NWPs. For example,'/4-acre of wetlands cannot be created to change a 'A-acre loss of wetlands to a 1/2-acre loss associated with NWP 39 verification. I lowever, 1h-acre of created wetlands can be used to reduce the impacts of a 1/2-acre loss of wetlands to the mininium impact level in order to meet the Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 10 /Tuesday, January 15, 2002 / Notices 2093 minimal impact requirement associated with NWPs. (e) To be practicable, the mitigation must be available and capable of being done considering costs, existing technology, and logistics in light of the overall project purposes. Examples of rnitigation that may be appropriate and practicable include, but are not limited to: reducing the size of the project; establishing and maintaining wetland or upland vegetated buffers to protect open waters such as streams; and replacing losses of aquatic resource functions and values by creating, restoring, enhancing, or preserving similar functions and values, preferably in the same watershed. (f) Compensatory mitigation plans for projects in or near streams or other open waters will normally include a requirement for the establishment, maintenance, and legal protection (e.g., easements, deed restrictions) of vegetated buffers to open waters. In many cases, vegetated buffers will be the only compensatory mitigation required. Vegetated buffers should consist of native species. The width of the vegetated buffers required will address documented water quality or aquatic habitat loss concerns. Normally, the vegetated buffer will be 25 to 50 feet wide on each side of the stream, but the District Engineers may require slightly wider vegetated buffers to address documented water quality or habitat loss concerns. Where both wetlands and open waters exist on the project site, the Corps will determine the appropriate compensatory mitigation (e.g., stream buffers or wetlands compensation) based on what is best for the aquatic environment on a watershed basis. In cases where vegetated buffers are determined to be the most appropriate form of compensatory mitigation, the District Engineer"may waive or reduce the requirement to provide wetland compensatory mitigation for wetland impacts. (g) Compensatory mitigation proposals submitted with the "notification'' may be either conceptual or detailed. If conceptual plans are approved under the verification, then the Corps will condition the verification to require detailed plans be submitted and approved by the Corps prior to construction of the authorized activity in waters of the US. (h) Permittees may propose the use of mitigation banks, in-lieu fee arrangements or separate activity- specific compensatory mitigation. In all cases that require compensatory mitigation, the mitigation provisions will specify the party responsible for accomplishing and/or complying with the rnitigation plan. 20. Spawning Areas. Activities, including structures and work in navigable waters of the US or discharges of dredged or fill material, in spawning areas during spawning seasons must be avoided to the maximum extent practicable. Activities that result in the physical destruction (e.&, excavate, fill, or smother downstream by substantial turbidity) of an important spawning area are nbt authorized. 21, Management of Water Flows. To the maximum extent practicable, the activity must be designed to maintain preconstruction downstream flow conditions (e.g., location, capacity, and flow rates). Furthermore, the activity must not permanently restrict or impede the passage of normal or expected high flows (unless the primary purpose of the fill is to impound waters) and the structure or discharge of dredged or fill material must withstand expected high flows. The activity must, to the maximum extent practicable, provide for retaining excess flows from the site, provide for maintaining surface flow rates from the site similar to preconstruction conditions, and provide for not increasing water flows from the project site, relocating water, or redirecting water flow beyond preconstruction conditions. Stream channelizing will be reduced to the minimal amount necessary, and the activity must, to the maximum extent practicable, reduce adverse effects such as flooding or erosion downstream and upstream of the project site, unless the activity is part of a larger system designed to manage water flows. In most cases, it will not be a requirement to conduct detailed studies and monitoring of water flow. This condition is only applicable to projects that have the potential to affect waterflows. While appropriate measures must be taken, it is not necessary to conduct detailed studies to identify such measures or require monitoring to ensure their effectiveness. Normally, the Corps will defer to state and local authorities regarding management of water flow. 22. Adverse Effects From Irnpoundrnents. If the activity creates an impoundment of water, adverse effects to the aquatic system due to the acceleration of the passage of water, and/or the restricting its flow shall be minimized to the maximum extent practicable. This includes structures and work in navigable waters of the US, or discharges of dredged or fill material. 23. Water fowl Breeding Areas. Activities, including structures and work in navigable waters of the US or discharges of dredged or fill material, into breeding areas for migratory waterfowl must be avoided to the maximum extent practicable. 24. Removal of Temporary Fills, Am, temporary fills must be removed in their entirety and the affected areas returned to their preexisting elevation. 25. Designated Critical Resource Waters. Critical resource waters include, NOAH-designated marine sanctuaries, National Estuarine Research Reserves, National Wild and Scenic Rivers, critical habitat for Federally listed threatened and endangered species, coral reefs, state natural heritage sites, and outstanding national resource waters or other waters officially designated by a state as having particular environmental or ecological significance and identified by the District Engineer after notice and opportunity for public comment. The District Engineer may also designate additional critical resource waters after notice and opportunity for comment. (a) Except as noted below, discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the US are not authorized by NWPs 7, 12, 14, 16, 17, 21, 29, 31, 35, 39, 40, 42, 43, and 44 for any activity within, or directly affecting, critical resource waters, including wetlands adjacent to such waters. Discharges of dredged or fill materials into waters of the US may be authorized by the above NWPs in National Wild and Scenic Rivers if the activity complies with General Condition 7. Further, such discharges may be authorized in designated critical habitat for Federally listed threatened or endangered species if the activity complies with General Condition 11 and the USFWS or the NMFS has concurred in a determination of compliance with this condition. (b) For N1 VPs 3, 8, 10, 13, 15, 18, 19, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 33, 34, 36, 37, and 38, notification is required in accordance with General Condition 13, for any activity proposed in the designated critical resource waters including wetlands adjacent to those waters. The District Engineer may authorize activities under these NWPs only after it is determined that the impacts to the critical resource waters will be no more than minirrual. 26. Fills within 100-Year F'loodploins. For purposes of this General Condition, 100-year floodplains will be identified through the existing Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps or FEMA-approved local floodplain maps. (a) Discharges in Floodplain; Below Heoduvaters. Discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the US within the mapped 100-year floodplain, below 2094 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 15, 2002/Notices headwaters (i.e. five cfs), resulting in permanent above-grade fills, are not authorized by NWPs 39, 40, 42, 43, and 44. (b) Discharges in Floodwav; Above Headwaters. Discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the US within the FEMA or locally mapped floodway, resulting in permanent above-grade fills, are not authorized by NWT's 39, 40, 42, arid 44. (c) The permittee must comply with any applicable FEMA-approved state or local floodplain management requirements. 27. Construction Period. For activities that have not been verified by the Corps and the project was commenced or under contract to commence by the expiration date of the NWP (or modification or revocation date), the work must be completed within 12- months after such date (including anv modification that affects the project). For activities that have been verified and the project was commenced or under contract to commence within the verification period, the work must be completed by the date determined by the Corps. For projects that have been verified by the Corps, an extension of a Corps approved completion date maybe requested. This request must be submitted at least one month before the previously approved completion date. D. Further Information 1. District Engineers have authority to determine if an activity complies with the terms and conditions of an NW-P, 2. NWPs do not obviate the need to obtain other Federal, state, or local permits, approvals, or authorizations required by law. 3. NWPs do not grant any property rights or exclusive privileges. 4. NWPs do not authorize any injury to the property or rights of others. 5. NWPs do not authorize interference with any existing or proposed Federal project. E. Definitions Best Management Practices (BMPs): BMPs are policies, practices, procedures, or structures implemented to mitigate the adverse environmental effects on surface water quality resulting from development. BMPs are categorized as structural or non- structural. A BMP policy may affect the limits on a development. Compensatory Mitigation: For Purposes Of Section 10/404, compensatory mitigation is the restoration, creation, enhancement, or in exceptional circumstances, preservation of wetlands and/or other aquatic resources for the purpose of compensating for unavoidable adverse impacts which remain after all appropriate and practicable avoidance and minimization has been achieved. Creation: The establishment of a wetland or other aquatic resource where one did not formerly exist. Fnhoncernent: Activities conducted in existing wetlands or other aquatic resources that increase one or more aquatic functions. Ephemeral Stream: An ephemeral stream has flowing water only during and for a short duration after, precipitation events in a typical year. Ephemeral stream beds are located above the water table year-round. Groundwater is not a source of water for the stream. Runoff from rainfall is the primary source of water for stream flow. Farm Tract: A unit of contiguous land under one ownership that is operated as a farm or part of a.farm. Flood Fringe: That portion of the 100- year floodplain outside of the floodway (often referred to as "floodway fringe"). Floodway: The area regulated by Federal, state, or local requirements to provide for the discharge of the base flood so the cumulative increase in water surface elevation is no more than a designated amount (not to exceed one foot as set by the National Flood Insurance Program) within the 100-year floodplain. Independent Utility: A test to determine what constitutes a single and complete project in the Corps regulatory program. A project is considered to have independent utility if it would be constructed absent the construction of other projects in the project area. Portions of a multi-phase project that depend upon other phases of the project do not have independent utility, Phases of a project that would be constructed even if the other phases were not built can be considered as separate single and complete projects with independent utility. Intermittent Stream: An intermittent stream has flowing water during certain times of the year, when groundwater provides water for stream flow. During dry periods, intermittent streams may not have flowing water. Runoff from rainfall is a supplemental source of water for stream flow. Loss of Waters of the US: Waters of the US that include the filled area and other waters that are permanently adversely affected by flooding, excavation, or drainage because of the regulated activity. Permanent adverse effects include permanent above-grade, at-grade, or below-grade fills that change an aquatic area to dry land, increase the bottom elevation of a waterbody, or change the use of a waterbody. The acreage of loss of waters of the US is the threshold nreasurentent of the impact to existing waters for determining whether a project may qualify for an MVP; it is not a net threshold that is calculated after considering compensatory mitigation that may be used to offset losses of aquatic functions and values. The loss of stream bed includes the linear feet of stream bed that is filled or excavated. Waters of the US temporarily filled, flooded, excavated, or drained, but restored to preconstruction contours and elevations after construction, are not included in the measurement of loss of waters of the US. Impacts to ephemeral waters are only not included in the acreage or linear foot measurements of loss of waters of the US or loss. of stream bed, for the purpose of determining compliance with the threshold limits of the NW-Ps. Non-tidal Wetland: A non-tidal wetland is a wetland (i.e., a water of the US) that is not subject to the ebb and flow of tidal waters. The definition of a wetland can be found at 33 CFR 328.3(b). Non-tidal wetlands contiguous to tidal waters are located landward of the high tide line (i.e., spring high tide line). Open Water: An area that, during a year with normal patterns of precipitation, has standing or flowing water for sufficient duration to establish an ordinary high water mark. Aquatic vegetation within the area of standing or flowing water is either non-emergent, sparse, or absent. Vegetated shallows are considered to be open waters. The term "open water" includes rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. For the purposes of the NWPs, this term does not include ephemeral waters, Perennial Stream: A perennial stream has flowing water year-round during a typical year. The water table is located above the stream bed for most of the year. Groundwater is the primary source of water for stream flow. Runoff from rainfall is a supplemental source of water for stream flow. Permanent Above-grade Fill: A discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the US, including wetlands, that results in a substanti rl increase in ground elevation and permanently converts part or all of the waterbody to dry land. Structural fills authorized by MVPs 3, 25, 36, etc. are not included. Preservation: The protection of ecologically important wetlands or other aquatic resources in perpetuity through the implementation of appropriate legal and physical mechanisms. Preservation may include protection of upland areas adjacent to wetlands as necessary to Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 10/Tuesday, January 15, 2002/Notices 2095 ensure protection and/or enhancement of the overall aquatic ecosystem. Restoration: Re-establishment of wetland and/or other aquatic resource characteristics and function(s) at a site where they have ceased to exist, or exist in a substantially degraded state. Riffle and Pool Complex: Riffle and pool complexes are special aquatic sites under the 404(b)(1) Guidelines. Riffle and pool complexes sometimes characterize steep gradient sections of streams. Such stream sections are recognizable by their hydraulic characteristics. The rapid movement of water over a course substrate in riffles results in a rough flow, a turbulent surface, and high dissolved oxygen levels in the water. Pools are deeper areas associated with riffles. A slower stream velocity, a streaming flow, a smooth surface, and a finer substrate characterize pools. Single and Complete Project: The term "single and complete project" is defined at 33 CFR'330.2(i) as the total project proposed or accomplished by one owner/developer or partnership or other association of owners/developers (see definition of independent utility). For linear projects, the "single and complete project" (i.e., a single and complete crossing) will apply to each crossing of a separate water of the US (i.e., a single waterbody) at that location. An exception is for linear projects crossing a single waterbody several times at separate and distant locations: each crossing is considered a single and complete project. However, individual channels in a braided stream or river, or individual arms of a large, irregularly shaped wetland or lake, etc., are not separate waterbodies. Storm water Management: Stormwater management is the mechanism for controlling stormwater runoff for the purposes of reducing downstream erosion, water quality degradation, and flooding and mitigating the adverse effects of changes in land use on the aquatic environment. Storrnwater Management Facilities: Storrnwater management facilities are those facilities, including but not limited to, stormwater retention and detention ponds and BMPs, which retain water for a period of time to control runoff and/or improve the quality (i.e., by reducing the concentration of nutrients, sediments, hazardous substances and other pollutants) of stormwater runoff. Stream Red: The substrate of the stream channel between the ordinary high water marks. The substrate may be bedrock or inorganic particles that rane in size from clay to boulders. Wetlands' contiguous to the stream bed, but outside of the ordinary high water marks, are not considered part of the stream bed. Streorn Channelization: The manipulation of a stream channel to increase the rate of water flow through the stream channel. Manipulation may include deepening, widening, straightening, armoring, or other activities that change the stream cross- section or other aspects of stream channel geometry to increase the rate of water flow through the stream channel. A channelized stream remains a water of the US, despite the modifications to increase the rate of water flow. Tidal Wetland: A tidal wetland is a wetland (i.e., water of the US) that is inundated by tidal waters. The definitions of a wetland and tidal waters can be found at 33 CFR 328.3(6) and 33 CFR 328.3(0, respectively. Tidal waters rise and fall in a predictable and measurable rhythm or cycle due to the gravitational pulls of the moon and sun. Tidal waters end where the rise and fall of the water surface can no longer he practically measured in a predictable rhythm clue to masking by other waters, wind, or other effects. Tidal wetlands are located channelward of the high tide line (i.e., spring high tide line) and are inundated by tidal waters two times per lunar month, during spring high tides. Vegetated Buffer: A vegetated upland or wetland area next to rivers, streams, lakes, or other open waters which separates the open water from developed areas, including agricultural land. Vegetated buffers provide a variety of aquatic habitat functions and values (e.g., aquatic habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms, moderation of water temperature changes, and detritus for aquatic food webs) and help improve or maintain local water quality. A vegetated buffer can be established by maintaining an existing vegetated area or planting native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants on land next to open- waters. Mowed lawns are not considered vegetated buffers because they provide little or no aquatic habitat functions and values. The establishment and maintenance of vegetated buffers is a method of compensatory mitigation that can be used in conjunction with the restoration, creation, enhancement, or preservation of aquatic habitats to ensure that activities authorized by NWPs result in minimal adverse effects to the aquatic environment. (See General Condition 19.) Vegetated Shallows: Vegetated shallows are special aquatic sites under the 404(b)(1) Guidelines. They are areas that are permanently inundated and under normal circumstances have rooted aquatic vegetation, such as seagrasses in marine and estuarine systems and a variety of vascular rooted plants in freshwater systems. Waterbody: A waterbody is any area that in a normal year has water flowing or standing above ground to the extent that evidence of an ordinary high water mark is established. Wetlands contiguous to the waterbody are considered part of the waterbody. [FK Doc. 02-539 Filed 1-1z-02; 8:45 am[ BILLING CODE 3710-92-P 6692 Federal Register/ Vol, 07, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 13, 2002 / Notices ADDRESSES). The holding of such hearing is at the discretion of the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAH. All statements and opinions contained in the permit action sununaries are those of the applicant and do not necessarily reflect the views of NMFS. Species Covered in This Notice The following species are covered in this notice: Sea hurtles Threatened and endangered green turtle (Chelonia mydas) Endangered hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Endangered Kemp's ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) Endangered leatherback turtle (Derrnochelys coriacea) Threatened loggerhead turtle (Coretta caretto) Application 1361 The applicant,is applying for a 5-year permit to trawl for turtles, as needed, at dredge and other construction/ destruction sites to remove the turtles to a safe location. The turtles will be captured, tagged, measured and released offshore away from the dredging activities. The applicant expects to capture and relocate 95 green, 11 hawksbill, 160 loggerhead, 14 Kemp's ridley and 4 leatherback turtles on the Atlantic coast and 105 green, 17 hawksbill, 160 loggerhead, 50 Kemp's ridley and 11 leatherback turtles on the Gulf coast. Dated: February 7, 2002. Jill Lewandowski, Acting Chief, Permits, Conservation, and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FK Doc. 02-3522 Filed 2-12-02; 8:45 aril BILLING CODE 3510.22-S DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers Issuance of Nationwide Permits; Notice; Correction AGENCY: Array Corps of Engineers, Dull. ACTION: Final notice; correction. SUMMARY: This document contains corrections to the final notice of issuance of Nationwide Permits (NWI's) which was published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, January 15, 2002 (67 FR 2020-2095). ADDRESSES: IIQUSACE, ATTN: CECW- OR, 441 "G" Street, NW., Washington, DC; 20314-1000, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. David Olson, at (703) 428-7570, Mr. Kirk Stark, at (202) 761-4564 or Ms. Leese Beal at (202) 7G1--4599 or access the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Home Page at: http:// www.tisace,army.miI/inet/functions/ cw/cecwo/reg/. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the SUMMARY section on page 2020, the third and fourth sentences are corrected to react: "All NWPs except NWPs 3, 7, 12, 14, 27, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, and 44 expire On February 11, 2002. Existing NWPs 3, 7, 12, 14, 27, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, and 44 expire on March 18, 2002." In the last sentence of the SUMMARY section, the expiration date is corrected as "March 18, 2007", instead of "March 19, 2007 On page 2020, in second sentence of the DATES section, the expiration date is corrected as "March 18, 2007", instead of "March 19, 2007". 'T'herefore, the NWPs published in the January 15, 2002; Federal Register will expire on March 18, 2007, five years from their effective date of March 18, 2002. On page 2020, in the fifth paragraph of the Background section, the third and fourth sentences are corrected to react: "All NWPs except NWPs 3, 7, 12, 14, 27, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, and 44 expire on February 11, 2002. Existing NWPs 3, 7, 12, 14, 27, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, and 44 expire on March 18, 2002." The expiration date in the last sentence of this paragraph is corrected as "March 18, 2007", instead of "March 19, 2007". On page 2020, the paragraph in the section entitled "Grandfather Provision for Expiring NWPs at 33 CFR 330.6" is corrected to read: "Activities authorized by the current NWPs issued on December 13, 1996, (except NWI's 3, 7, 12, 14, 27, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, and 44), that have commenced or are under contract to commence by February 11, 2002, will have until February 11, 2003, to complete the activity. Activities authorized by NWPs 3, 7, 12, 14, 27, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, and 44, that were issued on March 9, 2000, that are commenced or colder contract to commence by March 18, 2002, will have until March 18, 2003, to complete the activity." On page 2020, in the "Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC) and Coastal "Lone Management Act (CZMA) Consistency Agreement" section, the clate in the fifth sentence is corrected as "February 11, 2002", instead of "February 11, 2001 ". On page 2023, third column, last sentence, the number 29 is replaced with the number 19, because this sentence refers to General Condition 19. On page 2024, first column, in the fourth sentence of the last paragraph the phrase "less than" is replaced by "greater than" because the 30 day completeness review period for NWP pre-constructiou notifications is greater than the 15 clay completeness review period for standard permit applications. On page 2031, second column, second full paragraph, the number 31 is replaced with the number 3 because this paragraph refers to NWP 3. On page 2044, second column, fourth complete paragraph, the title is corrected to react "Stream and Wetland Restoration Activities" because that is the title of NWP 27. On page 2054, second column, the year cited in the third sentence of the second paragraph is the year 2000, not 199Ei. On page 2058, third column, in the second sentence of the second complete paragraph the word "intermittent" is inserted before the phrase "stream bed" because the waiver for filling or excavating greater than 300 linear feet of stream beds can apply only to intermittent stream beds. On page 2072, third column, last sentence, the number 19 is inserted after the term "General Condition" since this sentence refers to General Condition 19. On page 2076, second column, the street address for the Walla Walla District Engineer is corrected to read "201 N. Third Avenue". On page 2080, second column, third paragraph from the top of the column (in the "Notification" section of NWP 12), the word "or" at the end of paragraph (e) is deleted and the period at the end of the fourth paragraph (paragraph (f)) is replaced with "; or". On page 2080, second column, paragraph (a) of NWP 13 is corrected to read: "No material is placed in excess of the minimum needed for erosion protection;" The change was not intended and we are correcting this paragraph by reinstating the original text as it appeared in the version of NWP 13 published in the December 13, 1996, Federal Register (61 FR 65915). On page 2080, third column, the word "or" is inserted at the end of paragraph (a)(1) of NWP 14, Linear Transportation Projects. Paragraph (a) of NWT' 14 is corrected to read: "a. This NWP is subject to the following acreage limits: (1) For linear transportation projects in non-ticlal waters, provided the discharge clots not cause the loss of greater than r/z-acre of waters of the US; or (2) For linear transportation projects in tidal waters, provided the discharge does not cause the loss of greater than 1/3-acre of waters of the US." Oil page 2085, second colunur, the last sentence of NWP 36 is corrected to read as follows: "Dredging to provide federal Register/ Vol. 67, No. 30/Wednesday, February 13, 2002 /Notices 6693 access to the boat ramp may be authorized by another NWP, regional general permit, or individual permit pursuant to section 10 if located in navigable waters of the United States. * * *" The change was not intenced and we are correcting this paragraph by reinstating the original text as it appeared in the version of NWP 36 published in the December 13, 1996, Federal Register (61 FR 65919). On page 208G, in the second full paragraph of the second column, "paragraph (e)" in the second sentence is replaced with "paragraph (f)" and "paragraph (i)" in the third sentence is replaced with "paragraph (j)" to accurately cite the previous paragraphs of NWP 39. The last two sentences of the paragraph before the subdivision paragraph were incorrectly divided into two sentences from the original single sentence and identified as being related to General Condition 15. This change was not intended and we are correcting this paragraph by reinstating the original last sentence as it exists in the March 9, 2000, text of NWP 39 (65 FR 12890). On page 2080, middle column, the parenthetical statement at the end of the Note at the end of NWP 39 is corrected to read "* * * (except for ephemeral waters, which do not require PCNs under paragraph (c)(2), above; however, activities that result in the loss of greater than V,o acre of ephemeral waters would require PCNs under paragraph (c)(1), above)." The addition to the Note was intended to clarify that under paragraph (c)(2) only the loss of ephemeral open waters were not included in the requirement for a pre- construction notification (PCN). However, under paragraph (c)(1) all ephemeral waters of the United States are included in the measurement for the I/,o acre PCN requirement. The correction is ndeded because the statement in the parentheses could he incorrectly interpreted to apply to paragraph (c)(1) and possibly to all PCNs, not just those affected by paragraph (c)(2). For clarity, we are providing the text of NWP 39 in its entirety, with the corrections described above: 39. Residential. Commercial, and Institutional levelopments. Discharges of dredged or fill material into non-ticlal waters of the U.S., excluding non-ticlal wetlands adjacent to tidal waters, for the construction or expansion of residential, commercial, and institutional building foundations and building pads and attendant features that are necessary for the use and maintenance of the structures. Attendant features May include, but are not limited to, roads, parking lots, garages, yards, utility lines, stornnwater management facilities, and recreation facilities such as playgrounds, playing fields, and golf courses (provided the golf course is an integral part of the residential development). The construction of new ski areas or oil and gas wells is not authorized b this NWP. Residential developments include multiple and single unit developments. Examples of commercial developments include retail stores, industrial facilities, restaurants, business parks, and shopping centers. Examples of institutional developments include schools, fire stations, government office buildings, judicial buildings, public works buildings, libraries, hospitals, and places of worship. The activities listed above are authorized, provided the activities meet all of the following criteria: a. The discharge does not cause the loss of greater than 1/,-acre of non-tidal waters of the U.S., excluding non-tidal wetlands adjacent to tidal waters; b. The discharge does not cause tine loss of greater than 300 linear-feet of a stream bed, unless for intermittent stream beds this criterion is waived in writing pursuant to a determination by the District Engineer, as specified below, that the project complies with all terms and conditions of this NWP and that any adverse impacts of the project on the aquatic environment are minimal, both individually and cumulatively; c. The permittee must notify the District Engineer in accordance with General Condition 13, if any of the following criteria are met: (1) The discharge causes the loss of greater than V,o-acre of non-tidal waters of the US, excluding non-tidal wetlands adjacent to tidal waters; or (2) The discharge causes the loss of any open waters, including perennial or intermittent streams, below the ordinary Ili h water mark (see Note, below); or The discharge causes the loss of' greater than 300 linear feet of intermittent stream bed. In such case, to be authorized the District Engineer nnist determine that the activity complies with the other terms and conditions of the NWP, determine adverse environmental effects are minintal hoth individually and cumulatively, and waive the limitation on stream impacts in writing before the permittee may proceed; cl. For discharges in special aquatic sites, including wetlands, the notification must include a delineation of affected special aquatic: sites; e. The discharge is part of a single and complete project; I. The permittee must avoid and minimize discharges into waters of the US at the project site to the maximum extent practicable. The notification, when required, most include a written statement explaining how avoidance and minimization of losses of waters of the US were achieved on the project site. Compensatory mitigation will normally be required to offset the losses of waters of the US. (See General Condition 19.) The notification must also include a compensatory mitigation proposal for offsetting unavoidable losses of waters of the US. If an applicant asserts that the adverse effects of the project are minimal without mitigation, then the applicant may submit justification explaining why compensatory mitigation should not he required fonthe District Engineer's consideration; g. When this NWP is used in conjunction with any other NWP, any combined total permanent loss of waters of the US exceeding V,o-acre requires that the permittee notify the District Engineer in accordance with General Condition 13; h. Any work authorized by this NWP must not cause more than minimal degradation of water quality or more than minimal changes to the flow characteristics of any stream (see General Conditions 0 and 21); i. For discharges causing the loss of V,o-acre or less of waters of the US, the permittee must submit a report, within 30 clays of completion of the work, to the District Engineer that contains the following information: (1) The name, address, and telephone number of the permittee; (2) The location of the work; (3) A description of the work; (4) The type and acreage of the loss of waters of the US (e.g., 1/2-acre of emergent wetlands); and (5) The type and acreage of any compensatory mitigation used to offset the loss of waters of the US (e.g., 1/z-acre of emergent wetlands created on-site); j. If there are any open waters or streams within the project area, the permittee will establish and maintain, to the maxinmml extent practicable, wetland or upland vegetated buffers next to those open waters or streams consistent with General Condition 19. Deect restrictions, conservation easements, protective covenants, or other means of land conservation and preservation are required to protect and maintain the vegetated buffers established on the project site. Only residential, commercial, and institutional activities with Structures on the founclation(s) or building pad(s), as wel l as the attendant features, are authorized by this NWP. The 6694 Federal Register/ Vol. 67, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 13, 2002 /Notices compensatory mitigation proposal that is required in paragraph (f) of this NWP may be either conceptual or detailed. The wetland or upland vegetated buffer required in paragraph (j) of this NWP will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the District Engineer for addressing water quality concerns. The required wetland or upland vegetated buffer is part of the overall compensatory mitigation requirement for this NWP. If the project site was previously used for agricultural purposes and the farm owner/operator used NWP 40 to authorize activities in waters of the United States to increase production or construct farm buildings, NWP 39 cannot be used by the developer to authorize additional activities in waters of the United States on the project site in excess of the acreage limit for NWP 39 (i.e., the combined acreage loss authorized under NWPs 39 and 40 cannot exceed 1/2 acre). Subdivisions: For residential subdivisions, the aggregate total loss of waters of US authorized by NWP 39 can not exceed 1/2-acre. This includes any loss of waters associated with development of individual subdivision lots. (Sections 10 and 404) Note: Areas where wetland vegetation is not present should be determined by the presence or absence of an ordinary high water mark or bed and bank. Areas that are waters of the US based on this criterion would require a PCN although water is infrequently present in the stream channel (except for ephemeral waters, which do not require PCNs under paragraph (c)(2), above; however, activities that result in the loss of greater than V,o acre of ephemeral waters would require PCNs under paragraph (c)(1), above). On page 2088, in the sixth sentence of the first paragraph in the first column, the phrase "an adequate water quality management plan" is replaced with the phrase "adequate water quality management measures" to reflect the modified language in General Condition 9. This sentence is corrected to read "The facility must have adequate water quality management measures in accordance with General Condition 9, such as a storrnwater management facility, to ensure that the recreational facility results in no substantial adverse effects to water quality." On page 2089, first column, the second sentence of paragraph (c) of NWP 44 is corrected to read "Normally, the water quality management ieasures required by General Condition 9 should address these impacts;". In addition, the second sentence of paragraph (i) of NWP 44 is corrected to read "Further the District Engineer may require water quality management measures to ensure the authorized work results in minimal adverse effects to water quality;" These corrections are necessary to reflect the modified language in General Condition 9. On page 2089, third column, the text of General Condition 6 is corrected to read: "The activity must comply with any regional conditions that may have been added by the Division Engineer (see 33 CFR 330,4(e)) and with any case specific conditions added by the Corps or by the state or tribe in its Section 401 Water Quality Certification and Coastal Zone Management Act consistency determination." The change to General Condition 6 that was published in the January 15, 2002, Federal Register was not intended and we are correcting this sentence by reinstating the original text as it existed in the March 9, 2000, NWPs. On page 2090, first column, the word "Section" in the parenthetical at the end of General Condition 10 is replaced with "33 CFR" so that the parenthetical reads "(see 33 CFR 330.4(d))". On page 2090, at the top of the second column, the second Internet URL is replaced with "* * * http:H wwcv.nm fs. n oaa.go v/pro t_res/o vervie wl es.html * * *" because the Internet address for the National Marine Fisheries Service home page for endangered species has been changed. On page 2090, third column, in paragraph (b)(4) of General Condition 13, NWP 40 should be added to the list of NWPs that require submission of delineations of special aquatic sites with pre-construction notifications. Therefore, paragraph (b)(4) of General Condition 13 is corrected to read "For NWPs 7, 12, 14, 18, 21, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, and 43, the PCN must also include a delineation of affected special aquatic sites, including wetlands, vegetated shallows (e.g., submerged aquatic vegetation, seagrass beds), and riffle and pool complexes (see paragraph 13(0);" On page 2090, third column, in paragraph (b)(6) of General Condition 13, the word "Projects" replaces the word "Crossings", because the title of NWP 14 is "Linear Transportation Projects". On page 2090, third column, in paragraph (b)(8) of General Condition 13, the word "Activities" is inserted after the word "Restoration" because the title of NWP 27 is "Stream and Wetland Restoration Activities". On page 2091, first column, in paragraph (b)(10) of General Condition 13, the word "Projects" is replaced with the word "Facilities" because the title of NWP 31 is "Maintenance of Existing Flood Control Facilities". Oil page 2094, third column, we are correcting the definition of "Loss of Waters of the US" by deleting the last sentence and inserting the following sentence after the fourth sentence of this definition: "Impacts to ephemeral streams are not included in the linear foot measurement of loss of stream bed for the purpose of determining compliance with the linear foot limits of NWPs 39, 40, 42, and 43." Due to the number of corrections made to the definition of "Loss of Waters of the US", we are providing the text of this definition in its entirety, with the corrections described above: Loss of Waters of the US: Waters of the US that include the filled area and other waters that are permanently adversely affected by flooding, excavation, or drainage because of the regulated activity. Permanent adverse effects include permanent above-grade, at-grade, or below-grade fills that change an aquatic area to dry land, increase the bottom elevation of a waterbody, or change the use of a waterbody. The acreage of loss of waters of the US is the threshold measurement of the impact to existing waters for determining whether a project may qualify for an NWP; it is not a net threshold that is calculated after considering compensatory mitigation that may be used to offset losses of aquatic functions and values. The loss of stream bed includes the linear feet of strearn bed that is filled or excavated. Impacts to ephemeral streams are not included in the linear foot measurement of loss of stream bed for the purpose of determining compliance with the linear foot limits of NWPs 39, 40, 42, and 43. Waters of the US temporarily filled, flooded, excavated, or drained, but restored to preconstruction contours and elevations after construction, are not included in the measurement of loss of waters of the IIS. In the January 15, 2002, Federal Register, it was stated that the definition was being revised (to clarify that ephemeral waters and streams are not included in the acreage or linear thresholds for NWPs) to comport with language in the preamble of the March 9, 2000 Federal Register notice. However, the language in the preamble of tho March 9, 2000 Federal Register notice (65 FR 12881, third column) does not support this revision. Rather, the referenced preamble states, "During our review of the continents received in response to the July 21, 1999, Federal Register notice, we found an error in the proposed definition of the terns, "loss of waters of the United States." In the focu•tli sentence of the draft definition, we stated that the loss of stream bed 'Federal Register/ Vol. 67, No. 30 /Wednesday, February 13, 2002 /Notices 6695 includes the linear feet of perennial or intermittent stream bed that is filled or excavated. This statement is inaccurate because ephemeral stream bed that is filled or excavated can also be considered a loss of waters of the United States. However, the 300 linear foot limit for stream beds filled or excavated does not apply to ephemeral streams. We have modified this sentence to define the loss of stream bed as the linear feet of stream bed that is filled or excavated." 'T'hus, the modification of this definition was intended to clarify that activities that involve filling or excavating ephemeral streams are not included in the linear foot limits for filling or excavating stream beds in NWPs 39, 40, 42, and 43. However, it was not intended to exempt ephemeral waters or streams from calculations of impacted acreages to determine PCN or maximum acreage requirements in accordance with NWPs 39, 40, 42, and 43. In the August 9, 2001, Federal Register notice (66 FR 42099) we proposed to modify the definition of "Loss of Waters of the US" by adding the sentence "* * The loss of stream bed includes the linear feet of perennial stream or intermittent stream that is filled or excavated * * *". The proposed change was in response to a commitment to clearly state in the text of the NWPs (which includes the definitions) that the 300 linear foot limit in NWPs 39, 40, 42, and 43 for filling and excavating stream beds would only apply to intermittent and perennial streams, not to ephemeral streams. In the January 15, 2002, Federal Register notice (67 FR 2074-2075) we erroneously stated that both the acreage and linear limits of the NWPs do not apply to ephemeral waters. This was never intended to be adopted as policy for the NWPs or the Corps regulatory program. A previously stated, in the first column of page 2075 of the January 15, 2002, Federal Register notice, we refer to page 12881 of the March 9, 2000, Federal Register notice, which only discusses the 300 linear foot limit, not the acreage limits of the NWPs. Our intent is to continue to apply acreage limits of NWPs to activities that result in the pcrnulnent loss of ephemeral waters, but the linear foot limits of the NWPs (i.e., NWPs 39, 40, 42, and 43) for filling or excavating stream beds would not apply to activities that involve filling or excavating ephemeral streams. The last sentence of the definition of "Loss of Waters of the US" as published in the January 15, 2002, Federal Register notice sloes not comport wit11 remainder of this NWP package. Tllerefore, we are correcting this definition as described above. We believe that correcting the text of NWP 39 and the definition of "Loss of Waters of the US" through the publication of this correction notice is appropriate. Nevertheless, in order to give all interested parties further opportunity to comment on this matter, we intend to publish a Federal Register notice to solicit public comments on those two corrections. If we determine that any other matter relating to the final NWPs requires correction or clarification, but that matter was not adequately dealt with in this correction notice, we will address that additional matter in the forthcoming Federal Register notice, as well. We expect to publish that Federal Register notice within a few weeks. Dated: February 7, 2002. Lawrence A. Lang, Assistant Chief, Operations Division, Directorate of Civil Works. [FR Doc. 02-3555 Filed 2-12-02; 8:45 aml BILLING CODE 1710-92-P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Sunshine Act Meeting AGENCY HOLDING THE MEETING: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. TIME AND DATE: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., February 5, 2002. PLACE: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Board of Regents Conference Room (D3001), 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799. STATUS: Open-under "Government in the Sunshine Act" (5 U.S.C. 552b(e)(3)). MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED: 8:30 a.m. Meeting-Board of Regents (1) Approval of Minutes--November 14, 2001 (2) Faculty Matters (3) Department Reports (4) Financial Report (5) Report--President, USUIIs (6) Report--Doan, School of Medicine (7) Report--Dean, Graduate School of Nursing (8) Comments-Chairman, Board of Regents (9) New Business CONTACT PERSON FOR MORE INFORMATION: Mr. Bobby D. Anderson, Executive Secretary, Board of Regents, (301) 295- 3116. Dated: February 8, 2002. Linda Bynum, OSD Federal liegisterLiaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Do(:. 02-3683 Filed 2-11-02; 3:32 pill) BILLING CODE 5001-08-M DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request AGENCY: Department of Education. SUMMARY: The Leader, Regulatory Information Management Group, Office of the Chief Information Officer invites comments on the submission for OMB review as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit continents on or before March 15, 2002. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: Lauren Wittenberg, Desk Officer, Department of Education, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17tH Street, NW., Room 10202, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503 or should be electronically mailed to the internet address Lauren - Wittenberg@omb.eop.gov. 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